Growing Slipper Orchids - Part 1

Sharing of my experience in growing Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum)

Don't want to go in depth as to what is slipper orchid in this update, but every much wanting to share my personal experience in growing them.

I had been growing slipper orchids for the last few decades but to be a serious hobbyist was something I didn't think of until when I spent my times in US back in the early nineties, there was where I started collecting more complex hybrids than species. They were with big flowers and usually bloomed once a year during autumn season.

When I moved back to Singapore, I had to give up most of them and only kept a few that I really liked. 

But they were not doing so well for the first few years in SG as compared to those days while in Hammond (a small little town which was about 2 hours drive away from Chicago). Yup, the plant is still around, and it's doing better now. And this is what I really want to share in this update. 

I will try to share as much as I can, do give me your feedback if you find that my way of keeping them is unconventional(which can be very very true).

Growing them from flasks

Usually, growing slipper orchids from flask will take approximately 18 to 24 months to reach maturity for brachys or 24 to 48 months for multi floral type, which, normally not many growers like to try on them, as they are relatively slow in growing. However, there are some growers who are into getting the best crossing or higher grade paphs would purchase (better quality)flasks.


So, what will be the best time to remove the seedlings from flask?


1. when the seedlings almost fill the flask
2. when the agar is depleting
3. when the lower leaves are turning brown
4. when the roots system are rather established


After removing the seedling out from flask,  try to separate the seedlings(it is alright if you can't) and remove the agar, much as possible wash the seedlings with water and let them dry up a bit before potting them.


You can pot these seedlings individually or pot them in the compot. I usually pot the bigger seedlings in the individual pot, and smaller seedlings in the compot.


And what type of potting mix should be used? Some would grow the seedlings in sphagnum moss, some not. For me, I use the smaller size of the potting mix, I felt that the seedlings  do better (for me) in my growing environment.


Place these seedlings in the shaded area with good ventilation, do not expose them to too much strong light(especially sun light), and only water them once or twice a week as smaller size potting mix will be able to provide moist to the plants. 


You are likely not able to see much improvement/growing in them during the first few months, not too worry, the seedlings just need to get used to the new environment. 


And when do you need to re-pot them? I really do not suggest anyone to happily re-potting the seedlings, if you do, you might stress them up, and result in further slowness in growing. I usually only re-pot them when they almost reach maturity stage.


To be continued...