Overview

Paphiopedilum Toby Strauss gx 'Lucy' is a plant with a compact, clump-forming habit in the genus Paphiopedilum, part of the Orchidaceae family, with glossy, mottled or plain green foliage. Paphiopedilum Toby Strauss gx 'Lucy' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include indoor ornamental.

About

Paphiopedilum Toby Strauss gx 'Lucy' is a compact, clump-forming orchid in the Paphiopedilum group, notable for its glossy, sometimes mottled leaves. It prefers partial shade and a sheltered, east-facing position. Soil should be a moist, neutral loam rather than free-draining compost. It normally flowers from April to August.

About the genus

Paphiopedilum, often called the Venus slipper, is a genus of the lady slipper orchid subfamily Cypripedioideae of the flowering plant family Orchidaceae. The genus comprises some 80 accepted taxa including several natural hybrids. The genus is native to Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, New Guinea and the Solomon and Bismarck Islands.

Wikipedia contributors, "Paphiopedilum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Paphiopedilum

In the garden

Paphiopedilum Toby Strauss gx 'Lucy' sits within the Paphiopedilum genus of slipper orchids, a group that originates in parts of South-East Asia and neighbouring regions. As a grex hybrid represented here by a compact, clump-forming habit, it carries the family traits of Orchidaceae while keeping its foliage close to the crown rather than on long pseudobulbs. Place this plant where it receives partial shade and shelter from strong winds and direct afternoon sun; an east-facing windowsill or a protected bench in a conservatory suits it well. Use a loam-based medium kept consistently moist and aim for neutral soil pH; avoid drying the root zone out completely but also prevent standing water. Its UK hardiness is H4 (average), so treat it as an orchid best kept in a frost-protected spot or indoors through the coldest periods. Flowering runs from April to August, producing the seasonal blooms typical of paphiopedilums while the glossy, plain or mottled foliage forms the ongoing decorative element. As an indoor ornamental, it works where a compact plant with seasonal flowers and distinct leaves is wanted; the glossy leaves form a neat clump beneath the flowering stem during the April–August display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Paphiopedilum

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist

Aspect

East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Paphiopedilum Toby Strauss gx 'Lucy' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Compact, clump-forming

Foliage

Glossy, mottled or plain green

Suggested uses

Indoor ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Paphiopedilum Toby Strauss gx 'Lucy'

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Moderate

Disease resistance

Moderate

Frequently asked questions