Rothschild's Slipper Orchid
paphiopedilum rothschildianum
Also known as: ["King of Slipper Orchids","Rothschild's Paphiopedilum"]
Overview
A rare and spectacular orchid species native to Borneo, known for its large, showy flowers with a distinctive pouch-like lip.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Paphiopedilum |
| Botanical Name: | Paphiopedilum rothschildianum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with high humidity and good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Orchid bark mix with perlite or coarse sand for aeration and drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead foliage is observed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Adjust light exposure gradually if moving from low to bright light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to higher light levels slowly over 1–2 weeks. Place in east-facing windows or under shade cloth (50–70% shade) outdoors. Avoid direct afternoon sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Use sheer curtains to filter light; rotate plant weekly for even growth; monitor leaf color for light stress
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reducing to every 10–14 days in winter
Use room-temperature, distilled, or rainwater; avoid wetting the leaves or crown to prevent rot; ensure thorough watering until water drains from the bottom.
Soil
well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use orchid-specific mix; avoid heavy potting soils; ensure pots have drainage holes
Temperature
Ideal range: 65–80°F (18–27°C). Prefers cooler nights (55–65°F/13–18°C) during winter. Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C).
Use a thermometer to monitor; group plants for microclimate benefits; adjust watering with temperature changes
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to half or quarter strength; fertilize weakly, weekly during growth; flush pots monthly with plain water to prevent salt buildup
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation (challenging for home growers) or division of mature clumps (only possible when plant has multiple growths).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide mature clumps into sections with at least 2–3 growths.
- Sterilize cutting tools.
- Repot divisions into fresh medium.
- Maintain high humidity and warmth.
Best Time: After flowering, when new growth is emerging (typically spring).
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F/24–29°C), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Fine orchid bark mix, sphagnum moss, or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; for seed propagation, sterile conditions and growth hormones are essential.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment if conditions are optimal; seed propagation: 1–2 years to germinate, several years to mature.
Tools Needed
Sterile knife or shears, rooting medium, humidity dome or plastic bag, sterile work surface.
Quick Tips
Ensure divisions have healthy roots; maintain consistent humidity; avoid direct sunlight during establishment
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves or flower spikes at the base with clean cuts. Avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required. Focus on removing dead or yellowing leaves, spent flower spikes, and any diseased parts to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Sterile scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Check for dead/diseased parts; use clean tools; make precise cuts; dispose of removed material
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter) if roots are crowded; otherwise, use the same size pot with fresh medium.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim dead roots; place in a pot with fresh orchid mix; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the medium breaks down (typically after 2 years). Necessary to refresh nutrients and improve drainage.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; sterilize tools; trim roots; use fresh medium; ensure drainage; water lightly
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; use appropriate water; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid crown wetting
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the root zone, allowing water to saturate the medium. Ensure excess water drains freely to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate sphagnum moss for water retention; ensure medium is chunky to prevent compaction.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), bud drop, stunted growth, or blackened leaf tips (cold stress); wilting, leaf scorch, or brown leaf margins (heat stress).
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, reduce nutrient uptake, and increase susceptibility to root rot and fungal infections.
Solution: Move plant away from drafty windows or cold surfaces. Use a space heater or heat mat to maintain optimal temperatures. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal growth.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat causes dehydration, wilting, and leaf burn. High temperatures can disrupt flowering and reduce vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; ensure adequate watering; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use correct fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize after watering; reduce in winter; flush periodically
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at quarter strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring/summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter. Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPaphiopedilum rothschildianum is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to felines, and ingestion is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten or touched
Dogs
Non-toxicPaphiopedilum rothschildianum is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines, and ingestion is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten or touched
Humans
Non-toxicPaphiopedilum rothschildianum is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant is generally considered safe for handling and consumption, though ingestion is not recommended due to potential gastrointestinal upset from non-food items.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten or touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Paphiopedilum rothschildianum?
A: Water when the medium is nearly dry, but avoid letting the roots sit in water to prevent rot.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for this orchid?
A: It thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 70–85°F (21–29°C) during the day and 60–65°F (15–18°C) at night.
Q: Does this orchid require special lighting?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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