The manner in which you water the Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum needs more water if its roots and leaves become thin and dry or show discoloration. Ward's paphiopedilum receives too much water will look mushy and limp. You should grow your Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum, ensuring that the container allows for drainage and that you fill the container with a fast-draining potting mix. However, Ward's paphiopedilum doesn’t typically respond that well to excessive repotting, so it is crucial to get your watering rate right. Underwatered Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum, but not nearly as much. A watering frequency of two to three times per month should be enough to keep your Ward's paphiopedilum alive during the coldest months. However, if you keep your Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum. 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum. You may also need to water it a bit more frequently as well. However, while Ward's paphiopedilums 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.

The usual goal for the Ward's paphiopedilum is to have it grow as big and full as possible. While the plant doesn’t require consistent trimming, it can benefit by removing old flowers and any damaged, dead, or diseased leaves. You can also trim back the leaves if it is starting to get too big for the pot and space you are keeping it.

Ward's paphiopedilum don’t have a winter dormancy cycle at the suitable temperature. With that said, their growth does slow down as the days get shorter, however the leaves don’t die. What does that mean for pruning? It means there’s no specific season where it’s better to prune. Ideally, you will want to wait until the flower blooms before pruning it, which can take about a month after the appearance of the blossom. With deadheading, you’ll want to do this around late spring or when only a few of the blossoms have faded. You should always prune brown or yellow leaves when you notice them. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.

Once you’ve pruned your plant, you should dispose of the stems and leaves either by composting the healthy ones or throwing out the diseased parts. You can also fertilize just before or after pruning, which gives Ward's paphiopedilum a little vitamin boost that can provide it the nutrients needed to better protect itself from any nearby pathogens or diseases. You don’t need much after care when you’re done pruning. It might benefit from light watering and some liquid plant food to encourage new blooms and growth.

Chances are you’re not getting the Ward's paphiopedilum from seed, which means you’re already getting a mature plant. Since the plant doesn’t have a true dormancy cycle, there are really only two phases: blooming and non-blooming. While the plant is blooming, you should only remove yellow or dead leaves and cut off any brown tips on the leaves. Avoid doing too much pruning during this time as it can stress the plant. Still, you should remove any diseased or dead leaves to keep your plant presentable. The best time to prune is after the blossoms have already wilted. You can remove both the spent blossoms and any old and yellowed leaves at the same time. If you’re noticing a large amount of yellow leaves, you might be overwatering your plant or not giving it enough nutrients. While yellow or brown leaves don’t always mean there’s an issue, if you notice a large amount of leaves shifting colors, it usually means there’s a problem with the plant.

As an evergreen plant, Ward's paphiopedilum doesn’t have the same cycles as those found in colder areas. The leaves will remain green throughout the year, which is one of the many reasons it is a popular houseplant. If you want to deadhead, you should do so after the blossoms have already wilted. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.

How you prune the Ward's paphiopedilum will depend on whether you’re performing general care or deadheading. For general care, simply cut off the blossoms that have already died. Make sure to get as close to the base as possible and snip at a 45-degree angle. Repeat this for all stalks with wilting blooms. After that, trim back any outer leaves that are old and yellowing. If you simply want to thin the plant out, start with the outermost leaf and work your way in. Avoid removing more than 30 percent of the leaves at once. Throughout the growing phase, make sure to pay close attention to any potential diseased leaves and remove these as necessary.

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 Ward's paphiopedilum and Ward's paphiopedilum 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℃). Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum can withstand, that would fall between 50℉ (15℃) on the lower limit and 95℉(35℃) on the higher limit. As Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum growing phase, while sitting below 50℉ (15℃) for long periods of time can prevent them from flowering all together. Ward's paphiopedilum 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. Ward's paphiopedilum will also need to go through a cool period, which we discuss further below.

Tip #1: After Blooming, Ward's paphiopedilum Need a Cool Period When grown outside, Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum can bloom multiple times a year. Keep your Ward's paphiopedilum between 75-90℉ (25-32℃) during this cooling period for the optimal effect. Tip #2: Ward's paphiopedilum Prefer it Colder at Night While you are likely going to grow your Ward's paphiopedilum, where you can keep them within the optimal temperature range and give them the right amount of light, Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum stays within this range. Tip #3: Watch for the Signs of Cold Damage Because Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum starts to show discoloration on their foliage and stems, that means they are getting too cold. If large sections of your Ward's paphiopedilum are drying and turning brown, that means that the tissue is dying. Move Ward's paphiopedilum to a warmer environment immediately; in some cases, they can recover.

Unless you intend to grow Ward's paphiopedilum 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. Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum to get the most direct sunlight possible while still maintaining the high temperatures they require.

The best way to maintain the right temperature for Ward's paphiopedilum 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. Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum is growing in the best environment possible.

Fertilizer, and soil nutrients in general, are an essential form of fuel that your Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum produce the best possible blooms.

The Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum will need fertilization the most. Generally, it is best to fertilize your Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum '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 Ward's paphiopedilum. However, some of the best fertilizers for Ward's paphiopedilum 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 Ward's paphiopedilum.

Once you have found a suitable fertilizer and learned the ideal fertilization schedule for your Ward's paphiopedilum, you are ready to learn how to apply your fertilizer. When feeding your Ward's paphiopedilum, 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 Ward's paphiopedilum lives.

Overfertilization is something that you should consider when caring for any plant, but it is especially important when growing a Ward's paphiopedilum. A Ward's paphiopedilum, 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 Ward's paphiopedilum 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.