Maybe you’ve heard of the Lady Slipper orchid and how beautiful it is. This post aims to make care of this delicate plant easy to understand, and to answer questions you might have about what it takes to grow and care for the Lady Slipper orchid at home.
How Much Light Is Needed for the Lady Slipper Orchid?
Morning or evening sun is okay, but plants should be shaded in midday. High open shade or the shade of the north side of a building will work very well.
Soil
The most important factor for soil is that it be well-drained! The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, especially during the first year as plants are getting established.
Fertilizing
When planted in a good rich soil, fertilizer is not always necessary. However, you may wish to try a yearly spring application of a granular organic fertilizer. If you like to actively fertilize, you can apply a quarter-strength liquid fertilizer every 7 to 10 days from spring until mid-August.
Watering
Resist all temptation to over-water. Lady Slipper orchids like an evenly moist soil. As with all plants, early morning watering is best, and they should never be allowed to dry out completely.
If you have any further questions about the Lady Slipper Orchid, contact us at our Portland garden center! We’d be happy to talk orchids and get you started the right way.
