Cypripedium reginae
 

Hi,

I would like to get my father who lives in MN a ladyslipper orchid for his birthday. I realize the Fall shipping season is over, so I cannot order one now. I am just wondering when the optimal time to buy and plant this orchid would be. Also if you have any suggestions to the best place to purchase this lady slipper I would be grateful.

I live in Puerto Rico so the orchids here just bloom and create seed pods all year round. Here is a pic of an orchid that has been attached to a tree in my front yard.

http://www.lagringaloca.com/orchidea2.jpg

Gracias,
Kristine

PS I am a true newbie to orchids.

Hola lagringaloca - and welcome to the Orchid Board. In answer to your question about when to buy Northern lady slippers. Most growers presell for fall delivery.

Here is a link to one of the vendors that I have used in the past when I lived up North.

Cypripedium Species Offered

Thank you so much for the referral! I will call them today.

I talked to a friend of mine yesterday who is also still living in MPLS, and she told me she had bought a few of these orchids at the state fair one year but did not know that you had to put special nutrients in the soil for them to survive/thrive. I will ask the growers about that when I call, but does anyone else have any tips about keeping this orchid?

Great link for care and culture of hardy Lady Slippers

Planting and Care Instructions

Thanks for the link, the info is much needed and appreciated. Now I am thinking the Cypripedium pubescens might be a better choice in regards to the soil and conditions for where my dad will be planting.

Anyone have any opinions if its best to plant ladyslippers in the next week or wait until May? The supplier didn't seem to think it made any difference...

Another PR photo for you:
Here is our "baby" nursery. We use gravel and old coconut shells and wire them up to a crotchedy tree...

http://www.lagringaloca.com/orchid-nursery.jpg