lady slipper Pacific Shamrock X Green Angel

[sabine....@gmail.com]

I purchased the lady slipper Pacific Shamrock X Green Angel at the
orchid show in SF. I unfortunately lost the lip in transit. I have
been following care from the paphiopedilum care sheet I picked up a
the show but it's lone flower is starting to droop. It is in my
kitchen under 2 skylights with a side window. The temp range is about
60-70. I watered 2x a week since the sheet says to keep it moist. I
also spray it with water for humidity. It could be that it was at it's
peak at the show and now is over, but I am new to this orchid. The
phalaenopsis next to it is happy as a lark.

[dennis...@aol.com]

Hello again:

Since you have asked two questions and on neither one bothered with
"Dear so and so" or "sincerely", or "thank you" I have to wonder, if
you have so little sensitivity to those who offer you free access to
their expertise, how much sensitivity will you have to a plant? I
don't think I am being old fashioned here. I am devoting time to you,
show appreciation.

That said, ripping the lip off the flower may well have removed pollen
or otherwise damaged the flower enough that the plant is jettisonning
it. Otherwise, these green complex slipper hybrids should be among the
longest lived of orchid flowers. I suspect that in the long run,
watering twice a week will be too much, and so be careful about that.
They do prefer to get no dryer than slightly moist between watering,
but usually have a pretty moisture retentive potting mix. They also
are much more amenible to cooler and brighter conditions than either
your Angraecum or your Phalaenopsis. I grow my complex Paph hybrids
outdoors in bright shade in San Francisco, only bringing them in when
they are in bud or during very cold wet periods. Ideally they should
have overhead cover from the rain, but that is not absolutely
necessary. Cool nights will get reliable budding out of these plants
every year. If you don't have a sheltered outdoor space for this plant
(or are hesitant as a beginner to try this), you might try keeping it
nearer the window (unless it is too sunny) so it gets cool at night.
They will tolerate some morning sun on a windowsill.

As with your other plants, spraying them with water is of little
value. Most older Bay Area homes have a relative humidity of 40%-60%
most of the time, and the plants will adapt to that. A gravel tray is
much better than spraying.

Ladyslippers will thrive if repotted into fresh mix once a year. They
need this much more than other orchid genera do. And they hide their
illness like cats do. You will not know they are losing roots till
they fall out of the pot. Repotted once a year they are very forgiving
of mistakes like overwatering. In an old potting mix, they are not.
Sincerely,
Dennis

[sabine....@gmail.com]

My first time posting...I thought I was supposed to just write the
questions! Luckily, you also read my private email which showed you
that I really am a sincere and nice person, who loves orchids, and
values your expert advice! I am off to buy a new green paph in bloom
so that I may enjoy it's long lived flowers~
thanks again
Sabine

[dennis...@aol.com]

And I should apologize for being carmudgionly, but you have to admit
it does make interesting reading for people who come to the site!

Dennis