Lady's Slipper Orchid Cypripedium calceolus
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Lady's Slipper Orchid is a striking perennial that boasts a distinctive and exotic look. Its leaves are large and oval-shaped, with a lush green color, and they are often heavily ribbed or pleated in texture. During the blooming period, the plant displays a unique and eye-catching flower that bears a strong resemblance to an old-fashioned slipper or shoe. The flower typically has two opposing petals that are slender and twisted, flanking the centerpiece of the bloom—the inflated pouch-like lip that gives the plant its common name. This pouch is often a shade of yellow, but it can also have hues ranging from green to brown, frequently adorned with darker spots or stripes. Above the slipper, the flower has a hood-like structure formed by the fusion of two other petals; this hood can be purple, white, or a combination of colors. The plant has a stately and elegant presence, with the striking contrast between the mottled slipper and the more uniform color of the petals creating a visual focal point that attracts pollinators and the admiration of plant enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Orchidaceae.
Synonyms
Lady's Slipper, Yellow Lady's Slipper, Venus' Shoes, Lady's Slipper Orchid, Moccasin Flower, Slipper Orchid.
Common names
Cypripedium boreale Salisb., Cypripedium calceolus var. planipetalum (Desf.) Rchb.f., Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens (Willd.) Correvon, Cypripedium calceolus var. singulum Rchb.f., Cypripedium calceolus var. subglobosum Rchb.f., Cypripedium calceolus f. albiflorum P.M.Br., Cypripedium guttatum Sw., Cypripedium guttatum var. planipetalum Desf., Cypripedium hybridum Chaub. ex Poir., Cypripedium lanceolatum Poir., Cypripedium montanum Douglas ex Lindl., Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens Willd., Cypripedium passerinum Richardson ex Rchb.f., Cypripedium passerinum var. planipetalum (Desf.) Rchb.f., Cypripedium pubescens (Willd.) Correvon, Cypripedium shanxiense S.C.Chen, Cypripedium suaveolens Salisb., Cypripedium umbrosum Salisb., Cypripedium venustum Salisb., Cypripedium ventricosum Sw., Fissipes acaulis (Aiton) Opiz, Fissipes calceolus (L.) Opiz, Fissipes guttatus (Sw.) Opiz.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lady's Slipper Orchid, Cypripedium calceolus, does not carry significant toxicity for humans. It is not considered poisonous and ingestion of its parts typically does not lead to severe poisoning symptoms. However, as with any non-food plant, ingesting parts of Lady's Slipper Orchid is not advisable as it may cause mild stomach upset and should therefore be avoided.
To pets
As with humans, Lady's Slipper Orchid is not notably toxic to pets. The ingestion of this plant by pets should not result in severe poisoning. Nevertheless, consuming non-food plants, including the Lady's Slipper Orchid, can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal irritation in animals, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. To ensure pet safety, it is best to discourage pets from ingesting this or any ornamental plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cypripedium calceolus, commonly known as Lady's Slipper Orchid, is prized for its unique and beautiful slipper-shaped flowers, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: It provides habitat and food for a variety of insects, which can help support local ecosystems.
- Conservation Status Indicator: As a species that is often protected, its presence can indicate the health of an ecosystem.
- Educational Interest: The Lady's Slipper Orchid can be used to educate people about plant biology, ecology, and the importance of plant conservation.
- Cultural Significance: The plant often holds cultural value in its native regions and can be part of cultural traditions and folklore.
- Garden Diversity: Adding this orchid to a garden can increase the diversity of plants, which is beneficial for a robust and resilient plant community.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Display: The lady's slipper orchid is highly coveted by gardeners and orchid enthusiasts for its unique and striking blossom shape, making it a prized addition to ornamental gardens.
- Photography: The rare and distinctive look of the lady's slipper orchid makes it a popular subject for photographers and artists who specialize in botanical imagery.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators may use the lady's slipper orchid to demonstrate plant reproductive strategies and pollination mechanisms given its complex flower structure.
- Conservation Emblem: Because it is a rare species, the lady's slipper orchid sometimes acts as a symbol used in conservation awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of plant biodiversity.
- Bioindicator: The presence of the lady's slipper orchid in its native habitat can indicate a well-preserved and balanced ecosystem, making it useful for environmental monitoring.
- Symbolic Gift: Due to its rarity and beauty, a lady's slipper orchid may be given as a gift to symbolize appreciation for something rare and exquisite.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the lady's slipper orchid is associated with myths and folklore, often representing feminine beauty and grace.
- Floral Arrangements: Although not commonly used because of its rarity, it could be included in high-end floral arrangements for special occasions.
- Botanical Study: The lady's slipper orchid provides an intriguing subject for botanical study, due to its unique adaptation to cold climates and specific pollinators.
- Stamp Theme: Some countries have featured the lady's slipper orchid on postage stamps, celebrating its natural beauty and raising awareness about indigenous flora.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lady's Slipper orchid is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lady's Slipper orchid is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Splendor: Cypripedium calceolus, commonly known as Lady's Slipper, is celebrated for its unique and attractive bloom, symbolizing aesthetics and grace.
- Rarity and Preciousness: Lady's Slipper's are rare and hard to find, making them symbols of preciousness and value akin to rare jewels.
- Femininity and Fertility: With the shoe-like shape of their flowers, these orchids are often associated with female attributes and fertility.
- Resilience: Despite their delicate appearance, Lady's Slippers can survive in tough conditions, representing strength and the ability to thrive against adversity.
WaterLady's Slipper Orchids require meticulous watering to thrive. They should be watered regularly but allow the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. Typically, watering once a week with about one quart of water should suffice, depending on the humidity and temperature conditions. It's crucial not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. During the dormancy period in winter, reduce watering to every other week.
LightLady's Slipper Orchids prefer dappled sunlight or partial shade. They should be placed in a location that mimics the light conditions of a forest understory, receiving filtered light rather than direct sunlight. Morning light with afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf burn and ensure healthy growth.
TemperatureLady's Slipper Orchids do best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 80 degrees, but they should be protected from extreme cold and heat. Consistent temperatures without drastic fluctuations are optimal for healthy growth.
PruningPruning Lady's Slipper Orchids is generally not necessary, except for removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health. Pruning should be done after flowering, as this is when the plant is least vulnerable. It's typically done once a year, being careful not to damage the healthy parts of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLady's Slipper Orchid prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. The best mix could contain equal parts of perlite, fine pine bark, and peat moss to retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain, preventing root rot.
RepottingLady's Slipper Orchids should be repotted every two to three years or when the potting mix breaks down. It's crucial to ensure the new pot has ample room for root growth without being excessively large.
Humidity & MistingLady's Slipper Orchid thrives best in moderate to high humidity, ideally between 40% to 70%. Maintaining these humidity levels can be crucial for healthy growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, keep in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleLady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed by wind due to their lightweight and lack of endosperm, relying on mycorrhizal fungus to provide necessary nutrients for germination. Germination can take many months and the resulting protocorm continues to depend on the fungus while developing roots and a shoot. After several years, the plant forms rosettes of leaves at the soil surface and eventually produces its first flowering stem, with this process continuing annually if conditions are favorable. Flowers are pollinated by insects, predominantly bees, which are attracted by the color and shape of the flower, thinking they will find nectar. Following pollination, the ovary swells and forms a seed capsule that matures, eventually releasing thousands of dust-like seeds to start the cycle anew. The orchid can live for many years, continually growing and reproducing in favorable habitats with some individuals reputed to live for up to 50 years or more.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lady's Slipper Orchid, Cypripedium calceolus, is most commonly propagated by division, a process typically done in late summer or early autumn after the plant has finished flowering and is beginning to go dormant. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully dig up the orchid, ensuring as little damage as possible to the root system. Once the plant is out of the ground, the roots should be gently teased apart, and sections with at least one growth bud, known as an "eye," should be separated. Each division should then be planted in a well-draining growing medium, maintaining the same planting depth as before, and watered in. This process stimulates new growth in the subsequent growing season, enabling the propagation of new plants while preserving the health of the original orchid.
