Pink Lady's Slipper
cypripedium acaule
Also known as: ["Moccasin Flower","Pink Lady's Slipper Orchid"]
Overview
A terrestrial orchid native to North American forests, known for its distinctive pink slipper-shaped flower.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Cypripedium |
| Botanical Name: | Cypripedium acaule |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded woodland garden or shaded, cool greenhouse
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Humus-rich, acidic, well-draining soil; a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and sand is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to sunlight changes; protect from direct midday sun; place in a shaded area with indirect light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to dappled light
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting the foliage.
Soil
well-draining, acidic, peat-based mix
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Use acidic soil mix; ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; ideal range 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler nights.
Protect from extreme heat; maintain cool roots; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; use a low-nitrogen formula; apply during active growth periods only.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes; seed propagation is possible but challenging.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully dig up rhizome.
- Divide into sections with at least one growth bud.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
High humidity, shaded area, and cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) for rhizome division.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite for good drainage and moisture retention.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Rhizome division may show new growth in 1–2 months; seed propagation can take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, sterilized pruning shears, peat moss, perlite.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; ensure each division has healthy roots; maintain consistent moisture post-division.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead foliage at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to improve air circulation.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Check for dead foliage; sterilize tools; prune carefully; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in a fresh, well-draining mix; ensure the crown is at soil level.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing the roots unnecessarily.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wet foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, pine bark, or sand to improve drainage and acidity; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration, or stunted growth; bud drop or failure to flower.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage if temperatures drop below freezing; may enter dormancy.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering during dormancy.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow or stop; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently to avoid stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply in early spring and midsummer; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCypripedium acaule is not considered toxic to cats. No toxic effects have been reported in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCypripedium acaule is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this orchid.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCypripedium acaule, commonly known as the pink lady's slipper, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Pink Lady's Slipper easy to grow?
A: No, it is very difficult to cultivate outside its native habitat due to specific soil and fungal associations.
Q: Does it require special care?
A: Yes, it needs mycorrhizal fungi and specific acidic soil conditions to thrive.
Q: Is it legal to collect in the wild?
A: In many regions, it is protected and collecting is illegal due to its rarity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade to dappled light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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