About
Paphiopedilum lowii is a semi-terrestrial, clump-forming, evergreen slipper orchid producing narrowly elliptic, fleshy, green leaves and flowering stems to 1 m carrying up to 5 flowers to 14 cm across. The pouch is brown and veined; petals are bright yellow-green with purple tips and dark-brown spots; the upper sepal is yellow-green with brown stripes. A dramatic and rewarding orchid for a warm heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Paphiopedilum, the slipper orchids, are mainly terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic orchids lacking pseudobulbs, producing fans of strap-shaped, often mottled, leathery leaves. Each shoot terminates in a solitary flower or raceme of 2�8 flowers, each with a distinctive pouch-shaped lip. Grown in warm to intermediate heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
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. Remove the flower stem after flowering.
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 resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs but generally pest free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to bacterial rots in the centre of leaf rosettes caused by overhead watering in combination with low temperatures but generally disease-free