Cypripedium kentuckiense

[cllowe49]

Recently acquired a Cypri. kentuckiense.
Any helpful culture hints would be greatly appreciated.

[PaphMadMan]

One of the first people to really try to grow Cyp. kentuckiense in cultivation was Carson Whitlow, who was also one of the first Cyp. hybridizers. He considered it one of the easiest Cyp. species to grow as long as it had perfect drainage, and that is important whether you're growing it potted or planted in the ground. At the time he suggested pure coarse sand or perlite. I'm sure some organic matter and pH buffering would be better, but as long as you keep perfect drainage in mind it shouldn't be a challenge compared to other Cyps.

[Optimist]

I am in New Mexico too. I know Rio Rancho is very arid. The Cryps include Phrags and need lots of water. They are "outside" orchids, but also high humidity/moisture plants and in a way, I think if I were in your area, trying to grow outside, I would have a shady "swamp" area or "bog" garden. Something with partial shading though. It is possible planting on the bank of a smaller koi pond kind of arrangement?

[NYCorchidman]

Yep, not one for arid zone.
but with some taller plants that will provide shades and possibly lots of other ground cover plants or as suggested above, swamp garden idea might help.

They will really need bright but shaded from sun, lots of cool air and humidity (especially at the root zone) to be happy.

[Subrosa]

Need to get one of those. The shady hill that pretty much is my backyard has perfect light and drainage, and kentuckiense would definitely the easiest to maintain in my conditions. I'm worried about heat doing in my reginae and parviflorum pubescens this summer.