The Splendid Paphiopedilum is native to Northeast India, in the area of Khasia hills, in the Meghalaya region and in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Plants usually grow at an altitude of 1000-1500 meters above sea level in the mild shade of shrubs found in this area. They often grow on cliffs built of dolomite limestones above streams and rivers - often near waterfalls. The roots usually sink into the soil or in moss.
Paphiopedilum insigne orchid, also called as The Splendid Paphiopedilum, Cypripedium insigne, Cordula insignis, Cypripedium insigne var. sanderae, Cypripedium insigne var. sanderianum, Paphiopedilum macfarlanei, Paphiopedilum insigne f. sanderae, Paphiopedilum insigne f. sanderianum, is a species of the genus Paphiopedilum. This species was described by (Lindley) Pfitz in 1888.
IDENTIFY PAPHIOPEDILUM INSIGNE ORCHID
The Splendid Paphiopedilum is native to Northeast India, in the area of Khasia hills, in the Meghalaya region and in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Plants usually grow at an altitude of 1000-1500 meters above sea level in the mild shade of shrubs found in this area. They often grow on cliffs built of dolomite limestones above streams and rivers - often near waterfalls. The roots usually sink into the soil or in moss.
This species is a small to medium sized, cool growing humus epiphytic species with 5 to 6 strap-shaped, clear green, minutely bilobed apically leaves. The leaves are usually only 2 cm wide and 20-25 cm long.
This orchid flowers in the late fall and winter on a terminal, erect, to 12" (30 cm) long, one and occasionally 2 flowered, dark green brown, purple-pubescent inflorescence that has an ovate, pubescent, glabrous floral bract. The flowers are vary in size and color, but usually have a diameter of 7-10 cm and a shiny surface of petals, almost polished. The elliptical peak petal is a pale green color with a white border, with dark chestnut dots on its inner surface. The elliptical lower petal is a pale green color with brown spots. Yellow-brown, with red-brown, longitudinal veins, lateral petals are slightly bent towards the center and slightly wavy on the upper edge. The lip has yellow in purple-brown dots, resembling a dome.
GROW AND CARE PAPHIOPEDILUM INSIGNE ORCHID
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
This orchid need quite bright all year round, but not bright in the summer months. A summer stay under a shady tree outdoors is favorable, but in case of long bad weather periods it should be protected from too much moisture. A light level of 20000-30000 lux is recommended and use scattered light.
Temperature:
This is a plant with moderate thermal requirements. In summer, the average day temperature is 24-25 ° C, the night 13-18 ° C, which gives a daily difference of 7-9 ° C. In winter, average daytime temperatures are 18-22 ° C and 4-10 ° C at night, with a daily amplitude of 12-14 ° C.
Humidity:
Paphiopedilum insigne orchid need the humidity which reaches 80-85% in the period of growth, and falls slightly in winter.
Substrate and growing media:
The substrate should be airy and permeable, but able to retain a certain amount of water. Most use a medium consisting of fine or medium-grained pieces of fir bark mixed with perlite or other moisture retaining additives. Cuttings of moss are often added to the ground, especially in drier areas of low humidity cultivation. This orchid can grow in plastic pots. It is recommend increasing drainage in plastic pots by additional holes in the pot, expand existing holes and add new ones.
Watering:
During the summer growth period, it can need water everyday on warm, windy days, but be aware that the water can flow freely and no swamp develops. In winter, the planting material may only be moistened very carefully, otherwise root rot threatens!
Fertilizer:
Plants should be fertilized every week 1/4-1/2 the recommended dose of fertilizer for orchids. During active growth of the plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer for orchids. Higher doses of fertilizers and fertilization should be avoided because the lower level of mineral salts in the substrate stimulates root growth.
To avoid the accumulation of mineral deposits during periods of strong fertilization, it is recommended to rinse the containers approximately every month. Flushing is especially important there, where the water is strongly mineralized. First, normally, the plant should be watered to dissolve the accumulated salts, and after about an hour, rinse the substrate with water equal to twice the volume of the container.
Rest period and repotting:
Plants does not need a winter rest, but watering and fogging should be reduced, but not completely eliminated. Humidity above 65% should be ensured. The amount of light should be increased by illumination. The plant should not be fertilized.
Plants can be repotted at different times of the year, but it is best done in early spring (February-March), which allows you to regain full form and root out before the summer. After repotting, the base of the plant should be around 2, 5 cm below the edge of the container and 1.5 cm below the surface of the substrate. If the substrate falls down and the root ball appears, it is necessary to sprinkle a little more substrate to cover it, to protect the newly created increments.
Very Helpful information. An Expansion regarding various cultivars could be added, though not neede. I assisted me in taking better care of a P. Insigne I have had for 10 years...it now flowers in late fall! I would like to try further cultivars of this magnificent plant! Ted
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