About
Paphiopedilum argus is a small-sized, semi-terrestrial orchid with oblong, lance-shaped, pale-green, mottled leaves to 20 cm long. In spring, upright stems to 35 cm bear single, 10 cm flowers with white, brown- or pink-tipped petals with light-green lines and dark-brown spots, a white, green-striped upper sepal and a bronze-red pouch with dark-green veins. A beautiful and rewarding slipper orchid for intermediate heated greenhouse conditions.
About the genus
Paphiopedilum, the Venus' slipper orchids, are mainly terrestrial or lithophytic orchids lacking pseudobulbs, producing short stems with strap-shaped, leathery leaves and solitary or multi-flowered scapes with a distinctive pouch-shaped lip. Grown in intermediate heated greenhouse conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toPhilippines (Luzon)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in terrestrial, bark based orchid mix, with added sphagnum moss and perlite, or crushed limestone chips. In summer, provide higher humidity and bright, filtered light. Average summer temperatures are between 20 - 25°C, with winter temperatures falling to 18 - 22°C. Apply fertiliser with every third watering. Avoid heavy misting or overhead watering. As the plant lacks pseudobulbs, it shouldn't be left dry for long time. Water plant as it approaches dryness, but avoid standing in water, or keeping wet for prolonged period. See Paphiopedilum cultivation for more detailed advice.
PruningNo pruning required.
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 healthy, rooted plant rosettes with a suffient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. May be susceptible to mealybugs.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Overhead watering in combination with low temperatures may cause bacterial rots in the centre of leaf rosettes.