Repotting slipper orchid

[Denny]

I received a lovely Lady Slipper orchid through the post in a cheap plastic pot with little compost. I need to repot. Some sites say they don’t need the regular orchid potting compost is that right and do they need a clear pot!

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

I'm sure what the mix is for your "regular potting compost" ... I'm guessing that your Lady Slipper is a Paphiopedilum (the most common... Phragmipediums and Cypripediums are also "lady slipper" orchids but have very different needs) Do you have a name on your plant? Or a photo would help us to at least get it into the right group.

It doesn't need a clear pot. Some people like them because they can see the roots. But with slipper orchids, the roots don't change colors like Phalanopsis or Cattleya roots when they want water or are wet. The "slippers' as a group never want to dry out. If it's a paphiopedilum, the roots are fuzzy and brown - they also don't look anything like the roots of Phals or Catts... they are pretty much terrestrial (where Phals and Catts are epiphytic, need come drying between waterings) . In general, a well-drained moisture-retaining medium is needed - small bark or sphagnum. For sure, don't cut any roots even if you think they don't look great, it is very difficult to tell a good one from a bad one, and it is much worse to cut a good one than to leave a bad one- the plant needs what it has. But again, to advise more accurately, need a photo or an ID.

[estación seca]

Welcome!

People grow slippers in many different media. I use LECA clay balls, Many others use mixtures of bark, perlite and/or charcoal. What matters (for most species) is keeping the roots always moist but aerated. Fine or very moisture retentive mixes often aren't aerated enough. If organic media are used plants should be repotted at least every 2 years, because bark breaks down relatively rapidly when constantly moist. People who win awards repot plants in bark annually.

[Denny]

Thank you for your help, it is a paphiopediium.

I am trying to post a photograph but just don’t seem to be able to do it. I’ll keep trying them you will be able to see it.