Anyone grow Cypripedium in pots? Please advise on growing medium!
 

I recently got two rather expensive Cyps so I'd really like to keep them alive. I did do a fair bit of research and saw multiple sources recommended more inorganic media rather than organic, perlite, Turface, etc. So I put together a mix of bark/bark fines, perlite and aquarium gravel because that's all I have on hand. Didn't water very heavily but when I pulled the plant out to check it's roots today, lo and behold, some of them are dying already.

I read that in the wild they grow in fluffy humus, mulch or even living sphagnum moss. So I was wondering why not grow straight in sphagnum? Fluffy, not compacted, and watered just enough to keep it moist? Or should I try leaf litter?

Would really appreciate some advice. Thank you!

Bump.

Hybrids or species? They can be very picky about substrate. Different species have different natural substrates. Did you ask the seller?

Also I think uprooting them is harmful.

Several years ago I purchased a few hybrids. I grew them in semi-hydroponics, using LECA in a clay pot standing in a tray of water. The extra evaporative cooling was a "plus" in that case.

In the fall, I unpotted them and put them in baggies in the refrigerator.

Hybrids. Purchased from a nursery. I doubt they grow them themselves. And yes, I've also read they don't like to be disturbed too often but if I left it, all the roots would've rotted!

Thanks Ray! I prefer organic mediums but I'll definitely consider that option if nothing else seems suitable. I was also planning to overwinter them in the fridge because our freeze/thaw cycles wreak havoc on all my balcony plants.