The manner in which you water the Lady's slipper orchid will depend somewhat on whether or not your plant is in an active growth phase. If so, you should apply water to your plant’s soil and, if the weather is warm, perform occasional overhead watering to allow the plant to absorb moisture through its leaves. By contrast, in winter, and when the weather is cool or wet generally, you should stick to watering the soil directly rather than including overhead watering as well. You’ll know your Lady's slipper orchid needs more water if its roots and leaves become thin and dry or show discoloration. Lady's slipper orchid receives too much water will look mushy and limp. You should grow your Lady's slipper orchid in a pot and ensure that the potting mix you use has fantastic drainage. During the growing season, you’ll need to water this plant multiple times per week. However, each watering should drain quickly through the growing medium to prevent any standing water. The amount of water you give will change based on the size of the pot you use. Generally, pots that are a bit larger will need water less frequently, while smaller pots will have a slightly more frequent watering schedule. Rainwater and distilled water are the best kinds of water to use for this plant, and it is best if the water you use matches the temperature of the air as closely as possible.

Allowing your Lady's slipper orchid to sit in soil that remains too moist for too long is one of the most common ways to kill this plant. While these plants need water frequently during active growth, they also need to live in a growing medium that drains water rapidly. When this plant experiences overwatering, it will become mushy and develop root rot. If that occurs, you should be prepared to use a pair of sterile pruning shears to cut out any roots that show signs of rot. After doing that, you should then repot your Lady's slipper orchid, ensuring that the container allows for drainage and that you fill the container with a fast-draining potting mix. However, Lady's slipper orchid doesn’t typically respond that well to excessive repotting, so it is crucial to get your watering rate right. Underwatered Lady's slipper orchid will begin to shrivel and feel dry to the touch. If this occurs, it is likely because the soil is drying out faster than you expected, which means you should increase your watering frequency.

During the active growth stage, which spans the spring and summer months, you should plan to water your Lady's slipper orchid about once or twice per week while increasing that rate to three times per week or more in the case of long periods of hot and dry weather. In the winter, you will also need to water your Lady's slipper orchid, but not nearly as much. A watering frequency of two to three times per month should be enough to keep your Lady's slipper orchid alive during the coldest months. However, if you keep your Lady's slipper orchid indoors during winter, you should account for the fact that indoor growing locations can cause the soil to dry quicker than usual, which may mean you need to increase the number of monthly waterings. You can use the fall as a time to gradually reduce your watering frequency from the summer rate of multiple times per week down to your reduced winter watering schedule.

There are two important growth phases that you should consider when planning the watering schedule for your Lady's slipper orchid. The first of those periods is the active growth period, which happens in spring and summer, and which calls for watering this plant multiple times per week. The second important growth period is the rest period that the Lady's slipper orchid should experience for about two to three months each year during winter. During that time, your plant will need far less water and fertilization than normal. Water about once or twice per month during this time. During the fall, you should begin to gradually reduce your watering frequency from multiple times per week all the way down to the once or twice per month rate that is appropriate for winter.

The Lady's slipper orchid requires a growing environment that is relatively humid. Unfortunately, most indoor growing locations will lack the level of air moisture that this plant prefers. This causes the plant and its soil to dry out more quickly than it would when growing outdoors. To combat this effect, you may want to include a humidifier in the room where you grow your Lady's slipper orchid. You may also need to water it a bit more frequently as well. However, while Lady's slipper orchids do prefer humidity, they also require adequate air circulation as well, to prevent excessive moisture build-ups and the diseases that can result. Consider including a fan in the room where you grow this plant as well to ensure proper air circulation remains present.

Far from damaging the plant, regular pruning will actually encourage Lady's slipper orchid to produce more blooms. There are two primary forms of pruning for Lady's slipper orchid. The first is deadheading, which is the gardening term for removing spent flower heads once they start to wither. This concentrates the nutrients for the other flowers and allows the plant to flower better. The final process for pruning Lady's slipper orchid is the removal of yellow and diseased leaves, which increases plant ventilation and light penetration and facilitates plant growth. When nature runs its course, Lady's slipper orchid will bloom once, produce seed heads, and attempt to reproduce for the rest of the year. But, by consistently removing flower heads before they go to seed, you encourage the plant to continue producing more blooms for a longer flowering time. When the plant starts to wilt during the full, you should cut off the wilted part above the soil as well.

There are two primary forms of pruning for Lady's slipper orchid. The first is deadheading, which is the gardening term for removing spent flower heads once they start to wither. This concentrates the nutrients for the other flowers and allows the plant to flower better. The final process for pruning Lady's slipper orchid is the removal of yellow and diseased leaves, which increases plant ventilation and light penetration and facilitates plant growth. Since Lady's slipper orchid requires two types of pruning, you’ll be trimming your plants throughout the growing season. Pinching is most effective in the early spring before the plant develops any flower buds. Removal of yellowing or diseased leaves can be done at any time during the growing season. When nature runs its course, Lady's slipper orchid will bloom once, produce seed heads, and attempt to reproduce for the rest of the year. But, by consistently removing flower heads before they go to seed, you encourage the plant to continue producing more blooms for a longer flowering time. Finally, deadheading takes place as soon as the plants are producing full flower heads. Expect to take off spent blossoms from mid-summer through the first frosts of fall. When the plant starts to wilt during the full, you should cut off the wilted part above the soil as well.

Lady's slipper orchid doesn’t take much special equipment for pruning. A basic pair of scissors or garden shears should do the trick. It’s a good idea to ensure they are clean before use—you can soak them for thirty minutes in a solution of one part bleach diluted in nine parts water. This reduces the risk of spreading disease lingering on contaminated equipment into your flower garden. Some gardeners avoid using tools altogether and merely pinch off the blossoms with their fingertips. That can be a faster technique, but you run a larger risk of bruising the plant stems or accidentally pulling them out of the ground completely.

Here’s an overview of pruning instructions for Lady's slipper orchid based on which of the two types you’re completing. By completing these two types of pruning over the lifespan of your Lady's slipper orchid, you’ll encourage them to produce bigger, better flowers for far longer than the plants would otherwise. It only takes a few minutes to complete each step of the pruning process, and you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts for weeks to come. Deadheading Deadheading is a fast, easy way to refresh your garden by removing old flowers and providing space for new ones to take their place. You can use your fingers to pop off old flower heads as soon as they look tired, although you’re less likely to damage the plant if you use shears instead. When deadheading, make sure you cut well below the flower so that you aren’t left with a long, flowerless stem sticking out in your garden bed. Instead, cut the stem to just above the point where the side stem joins the main plant. Remove yellow and diseased leaves, this increases the ventilation and light penetration of the plant and facilitates its growth. When pruning, the leaves need to be trimmed off together with the petiole. It is best to use sterilised scissors to cut them off. Note: It’s a good idea to ensure scissors or garden shears are clean before use—you can soak them for thirty minutes in a solution of one part bleach diluted in nine parts water. This reduces the risk of spreading disease lingering on contaminated equipment into your flower garden.

Epiphytic Orchids that prefer partial sun need 3-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They should be placed in a location that receives morning sun and some shade in the afternoon to prevent overheating. Orchids that receive too much direct sun might develop sunburned leaves and dry out if they're not given enough humidity to support them in the heat.

If Epiphytic Orchids that prefer partial sun don't receive enough sunlight, they might not produce as many blooms as they would in ideal conditions. Their leaves might also become a darker green color than normal. Gardeners should ensure their plants receive enough indirect light and shade to prevent damage to their leaves and flowers.

Epiphytic Orchids that prefer partial sun might develop sunburned leaves and dry out if they receive too much direct sunlight. Gardeners should provide their plants with enough shade and indirect light to prevent damage to their leaves and flowers. They should also ensure that their plants receive enough humidity to support them in the heat. Gardeners could protect their plants by placing them in a location that receives morning sun and some shade in the afternoon. They could also use sheer curtains or blinds to provide their plants with enough indirect light and shade. Epiphytic Orchids that prefer partial sun should be watered regularly to maintain their humidity levels and keep their leaves and flowers healthy. By providing their plants with enough sunlight, humidity, and shade, gardeners could enjoy beautiful blooms from their Epiphytic Orchids year-round.

While both Lady's slipper orchid and Lady's slipper orchid require different levels of maintenance, they both grow best within the same temperature range. For warm-weather plants to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). Lady's slipper orchid can handle some temperatures outside of this range, but if at all possible, keep your growing environment within several degrees of these limits. As for the highest and lowest temperatures Lady's slipper orchid can withstand, that would fall between 50℉ (15℃) on the lower limit and 95℉(35℃) on the higher limit. As Lady's slipper orchid prefers warmer weather, traditionally growing in summer if planted outdoors, the lower temperature range is the most important to avoid. Going below 70℉ (25℃) will result in slowed growth, and anything below 50℉ (15℃) will start to damage and even kill the plants.

The Lady's slipper orchid will not bloom or flower if kept in low temperatures, so make sure to maintain a consistent range to allow them to flower to their full potential. Temperature fluctuations are also harmful, no matter what phase of growth they are in. Going below 70℉ (25℃) and above 90℉ (32℃) can slow down and hinder Lady's slipper orchid growing phase, while sitting below 50℉ (15℃) for long periods of time can prevent them from flowering all together. Lady's slipper orchid is not hardy, and therefore need a well-turned environment to grow properly. You’ll want to retain as much control over the temperature as you possibly can. Lady's slipper orchid will also need to go through a cool period, which we discuss further below.

Tip #1: After Blooming, Lady's slipper orchid Need a Cool Period When grown outside, Lady's slipper orchid will go through a necessary cooling period for winter. When grown indoors or in a greenhouse, this same rule must be followed, but can happen during any season. If done correctly, your Lady's slipper orchid can bloom multiple times a year. Keep your Lady's slipper orchid between 75-90℉ (25-32℃) during this cooling period for the optimal effect. Tip #2: Lady's slipper orchid Prefer it Colder at Night While you are likely going to grow your Lady's slipper orchid, where you can keep them within the optimal temperature range and give them the right amount of light, Lady's slipper orchid prefers colder temperatures at night when grown outdoors. This temperature range usually moves between 50~75℉(15-25℃). Due to the lack of climate control that growing outdoors involves, it's usually impossible to control if Lady's slipper orchid stays within this range. Tip #3: Watch for the Signs of Cold Damage Because Lady's slipper orchid enjoys the higher temperatures and lacks the hardiness of winter plants, it is especially susceptible to cold damage. You’ll want to make sure you monitor the temperature of your growing space closely. Anything below 50℉ (15℃) will begin to harm your plants, and too much cold exposure can kill them entirely. Watch for the signs that this damage is occurring: if your Lady's slipper orchid starts to show discoloration on their foliage and stems, that means they are getting too cold. If large sections of your Lady's slipper orchid are drying and turning brown, that means that the tissue is dying. Move Lady's slipper orchid to a warmer environment immediately; in some cases, they can recover.

Unless you intend to grow Lady's slipper orchid outside, you won’t need to worry about different temperatures for different seasons. If you can’t find space in your home or a greenhouse and you have to use an outdoor space, make sure that you grow them in the summer. You’ll also have to check that your area reaches, but doesn’t exceed, temperatures of between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). It can be nearly impossible to control outdoor weather conditions in that way, so it's almost always better to use an indoor space or greenhouse. Lady's slipper orchid prefers as much sunlight as possible, so you’ll need to pick an area that gets ample natural light. A greenhouse makes this the better of the two options; these structures allow Lady's slipper orchid to get the most direct sunlight possible while still maintaining the high temperatures they require.

The best way to maintain the right temperature for Lady's slipper orchid is to place them in a climate controlled environment. This can be a room within your home, provided you have A/C or fans to ensure that the area stays within the optimal temperature range. If you live in a colder region, you will need to make sure you have a quality heating system. Lady's slipper orchid does best in a hot environment, so you’ll want to ensure you have the ability to heat a room to temperatures as high as 75℉ (25℃). If you can’t feasibly heat a room in your home up to those temperatures, you’ll want to consider placing your Lady's slipper orchid inside of a greenhouse. A greenhouse can save you money on heating, as the structure is naturally heated when sunlight passes through its clear or opaque glass panels. This keeps the greenhouse at the right temperature, making sure that Lady's slipper orchid is growing in the best environment possible.

Fertilizer, and soil nutrients in general, are an essential form of fuel that your Lady's slipper orchid will use to maintain healthy growth. In general, plants use the nutrients they find in the soil to develop new plant material and keep their existing components in good condition. For the Lady's slipper orchid specifically, fertilization is necessary to help this plant display the best version of its flowers. Since the flowers are the main form of attraction to this plant, most gardeners will want to do all they can to ensure the flowers appear in their best form. Fertilization is one of the most reliable ways to help your Lady's slipper orchid produce the best possible blooms.

The Lady's slipper orchid goes through two main phases throughout each year. The first phase is the dormant phase, in which this plant will put forth minimal new growth. This dormant phase takes place during the winter. The other phase is the active growth phase, which takes place during spring and fall, which is when your Lady's slipper orchid will need fertilization the most. Generally, it is best to fertilize your Lady's slipper orchid starting in the spring months. You should repeat the feeding about once per month throughout the rest of the spring and through most of the summer. As fall approaches, you can begin to reduce your fertilization rate.

You want to support Lady's slipper orchid growth, but you also don’t want to cause root burn. Your plant is actively growing in the spring and summer, it’s when the extra nutrients are necessary. In the fall and winter, your plant will enter its dormancy stage. It’s when you want to stop fertilizing.

The ideal fertilizer for a Lady's slipper orchid is one that has a relatively balanced mix of the three main plant nutrients, with slightly higher amounts of phosphorus. Alternatively, some gardeners choose to improve their Lady's slipper orchid 's soil by adding organic materials such as compost, worm castings, and manure. Fertilizers can come in many forms, and most of these forms will work well for your Lady's slipper orchid. However, some of the best fertilizers for Lady's slipper orchid come in either a liquid or a powdered form. Regardless of which you use, you should ensure that you dilute your fertilizer and apply it while watering your Lady's slipper orchid.

Once you have found a suitable fertilizer and learned the ideal fertilization schedule for your Lady's slipper orchid, you are ready to learn how to apply your fertilizer. When feeding your Lady's slipper orchid, the most reliable method is to mix your liquid fertilizer with water before applying it to the soil. Each fertilizer may have different directions on how to feed your plants. Usually, it is best to follow the manufacturer's guidance on how to use the fertilizer they produce. These instructions should include information on how to properly dilute the fertilizer to prevent overfertilization. Mixing your fertilizer in water is an easy process, and once it is complete, all you need to do is pour the mixture into the soil where your Lady's slipper orchid lives.

Overfertilization is something that you should consider when caring for any plant, but it is especially important when growing a Lady's slipper orchid. A Lady's slipper orchid, when overfertilized, will show clear signs of distress, which, at times, may be so serious that they lead to the death of your plant. Overfertilized Lady's slipper orchid will likely show leaf discoloration as well, including browning. In the worst-case scenarios, excessive fertilization will draw moisture out of your plant's roots, which can cause it to decline quickly.