Name the ladyslipper

[clusty]

Hello,

Anybody has an idea what is the exact species of this ladyslipper that is endemic to canada (Quebec)?

I've seen them in the forests quite a bit.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Cypripedium acaule. They occur even as far south as Georgia in the USA, though I don't think anyone would call them common here. Nice that you are seeing a lot of them in Canada!

---------- Post added at 04:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:14 PM ----------

BTW, that one is clearly not in a forest. Are people using them in landscaping up there?

[clusty]

Not sure if people are using them for landscaping, but I got 2 of them from one of my friend's land last year. First time they bloomed at my place.

I planted them in a spot with moss and ferns.

I was asking about the species since I was wondering if I could do anything to aid in seed germination so they'd multiply.

[PaphMadMan]

Yes, definitely Cypripedium acaule.

There isn't much you can do to increase seed germination. If conditions are right for the plants to thrive long term then conditions for seed germination are also probably good. What you can do is make sure the flowers get pollinated so seed can form in the first place. But in any case it will take many years before this year's seeds can be flowering size plants, and you need to maintain the soil surface undisturbed and with constant light mulch cover to let that happen. Most increase in plants you may see is more likely to be from vegetative increase of each plant into a clump rather than from seed.

[Subrosa]

C. acaule is notoriously difficult to maintain in places it doesn't naturally occur. One reason seems to be soil pH. It normally grows in very acidic conditions which tend to inhibit bacteria which cause the plants to rot. Adding a tablespoon of white vinegar per gallon of water when watering is one way. If you can get them a mulch of pine needles can help as well.

[Ray]

I can't speak for Quebec, but most US states forbid transplanting native orchids, and they rarely survive, let alone bloom, so kudos to you for that.

Orchid seed relies on infection by a fungus that is VERY specific to the species in order to germinate. It is more likely that spreading of the colony via rhizomes is what you'll see, although it can't hurt to pollinate a few blossoms and let 'em try. If the plants came to you with soil, that increases the likelihood that some of the fungus came along for the ride.

Whatever you do, don't try to "push" the plants with fertilizer and additives, as that is more likely to hinder, and not help.

[clusty]

From what I could read when I got them, there was no rule in Quebec about not removing them, specially since they are listed as "Secure" from the conservation standpoint.

Thanks for the info. I got a huge lump of dirt from the woods.

For future orchids, how should I prepare the place?
Lots of mulch and peat moss ?