Cypripedium ID and general care

[Ale_V]

Hi everyone,

Yesterday my wife and I got carried away by our enthusiasm and purchased this Cypripedium (unspecified) at a nursery without doing much research beforehand. I did try to look it up online, but I’d love to get your more specific advice on how to grow this plant.

First of all, can anyone tell me which Cypripedium it might be?

For now, I’ve put it on the windowsill where I keep many of my orchids. There’s a light that provides 12 hours of illumination to make up for the low winter light this time of year. I placed the Cypripedium in the farthest corner from the light, partially hidden by the leaves of a large Phalaenopsis. Indoors, the temperature currently ranges from about 16°C at night to 20/21°C during the day, with occasional lows of 14°C at night and highs of up to 23°C during the day. The humidity varies between about 35% and 55%.

Is it okay to keep it indoors or should I move it outside? The flowers literally opened last night, so I believe it’s best to wait before repotting—just like usual. But when the time comes, how should I repot it?

If keeping it inside isn’t ideal because it’s too warm, I have a balcony that only gets morning sun. I live in northern Italy in what I believe is zone 9b. Another option would be to plant it directly in the ground in my mother’s garden at the right time, though I’m reluctant since it would basically be at the mercy of nature.

Thank you all, as always!

Ale