Description
Paphiopedilum victoria-mariae is a sequential blooming species from the Cochlopetalum section. Plants from this section produce one bloom at a time but can stay in bloom for months on end. Large specimens have been known to stay in bloom for over a year on a single spike! This is one of the more compact growing species in this section. It will bloom on small plants with spikes generally initiated from fall through spring. This species has become fairly rare in the hobby despite the fact that it is quite easy to grow.
We grow these in intermediate conditions, but they seem tolerant of warmer temperatures in the summer. They seem reluctant to bloom until cooler weather arrives in the autumn. Like other members of this section they prefer a well drained mix and we allow them to become almost dry before watering. Moderate light is ideal and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Like most Paphs, these benefit from good water quality. Reverse osmosis water or rainwater is preferred. If you have water with high mineral content consider watering thoroughly once per month with distilled or other pure water to flush minerals and salts from the potting media.
Most Paphiopedilum orchids benefit from annual repotting. This can be done pretty much any time as fresh media seems to perk up the plants and stimulate new root growth. These is no one universal medium for all growers. The ideal potting mix should be based on your specific conditions. Better drainage and faster drying mix is recommended for humid conditions. A mix that holds a bit more moisture is recommended for drier conditions. It is important that plants do not sit in soggy mix during cold weather. This can lead to rotting in the crown of the plant and loss of roots.
