White Lady's Slipper Orchid
cypripedium reginae
Also known as: ["Queen's Lady's Slipper","White Slipper Orchid"]
Overview
A terrestrial orchid species native to North America, known for its distinctive white 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 reginae |
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, well-draining orchid mix with components like sphagnum moss, perlite, and fine bark.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for division or disease control.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled light outdoors; shield from intense midday sun indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to dappled light
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix designed for orchids; avoid heavy garden soils; maintain consistent moisture without saturation.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme fluctuations.
Use a thermometer to monitor; group plants for microclimate benefits; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted balanced fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil periodically to prevent salt buildup; match fertilizer to plant's growth phase.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or seed propagation (challenging without specialized techniques).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes ensuring each has roots and growth points.
- Plant shallowly in prepared medium.
- Maintain humidity and light.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent cool temperatures (55–65°F or 13–18°C).
Medium
Humus-rich, well-draining medium with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division; may aid seed germination.
Timeline
Rhizome division: immediate establishment; seed propagation: 1–2 years for germination, several years to maturity.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, sterile medium, humidity dome or plastic bag, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; be patient with seed propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim dead or yellowing leaves at the base; remove spent flower spikes carefully to avoid damaging new growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, remove dead/damaged parts, avoid over-pruning, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth emerges.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove plant, trim dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh orchid mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, ensure drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid foliage wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like peat moss for moisture retention; ensure aeration with bark or charcoal.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold (below 40°F or 4°C) can cause root damage or dormancy issues.
Solution: Protect from frost; insulate pots; move indoors during freezes; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent cold dampness.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat (above 80°F or 27°C) can lead to leaf scorch, dehydration, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Dilute correctly, fertilize during growth, avoid winter, flush periodically, monitor for signs of over/under-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCypripedium reginae is not toxic to cats. The plant has no known harmful effects on felines when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCypripedium reginae is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCypripedium reginae, commonly known as the White Lady's Slipper orchid, is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has no reported adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cypripedium reginae easy to grow?
A: No, it is considered very challenging and requires specialized conditions.
Q: Does this orchid have any medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented medicinal use for Cypripedium reginae.
Q: Can I grow this orchid indoors?
A: It is not typically suited for indoor cultivation due to its specific habitat requirements.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade to dappled light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
