Paphiopedilum concolor – Flowering plants

Paphiopedilum concolor is a small terrestrial orchid. It can measure up to 15 cm tall when in flower and it has a clumping growth form. It has dark green and grey-green mottled leaves, up to 6 inches long by 1.5 inches wide. The one colored paphiopedilum flowers in Spring and Autumn. Its 4-inch tall scape has reddish hairs and carries one or two flowers approximately 2.75 inches in diameter. These flowers come colored in cream to peach, with dark red speckles.

Scientific classification:

Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Tribe: Cypripedieae
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species: P. concolor

Scientific Name: Paphiopedilum concolor
Synonyms: Cypripedium concolor, Cordula concolor.
Common Name: The one colored paphiopedilum, lady’s slipper.

How to grow and maintain Paphiopedilum concolor:

Light:
It thrives best in bright sunlight but no direct, so during the midday solstice, they must be placed behind a curtain or in the shade of other plants. Direct sunlight should be avoided, which can cause leaf and plant problems.

Soil:
It grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or a peat-based soil is best, 2 parts peat and 1 part perlite or sand is a good mix.

Temperature:
It thrives best in ideal temperatures between 70°F-80°F / 21°C-27°C ideal without direct sunlight. Temperatures will naturally drop during the night (and in winter), but do not allow them to drop lower than 50°F (10°C). Try and keep your plant away from cold drafts.

Humidity:
The humidity of 50-70% will be enough for normal growth and development of the plant. However, at temperatures above 27°C, it is desirable to increase the air humidity to at least 70%, since too dry air adversely affects the roots and leaves of the plant. A lot of fresh air and sufficient air circulation are recommended.

Watering:
It prefers frequent and abundant watering throughout the year. Excess water during irrigation should flow freely from the pot since stagnation of water both inside the pot and in its pan can very quickly lead to rotting of the roots and the lower part of the plant. The substrate between waterings should dry well, but not dry completely. After watering, water from the leaves must be removed with a tissue.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize once every two weeks in the spring and summer, once every four weeks in the fall and winter with a balanced fertilizer diluted by half.

Re-Potting:
Re-pot your plant when necessary. A small amount of root showing through the drainage holes is fine, but any-more than that then you should re-pot with a slightly larger pot.

Propagation:
Paphiopedilum concolor can be easily propagated by dividing, once it has matured enough (best in spring). You may need to do this once the plant gets too large and you could possibly create two new plants.