To Get Lady Slippers to Bloom
Gunde
12 years ago
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bob8_gw
12 years agojamcm
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Wanted: Lady Slipper and Pitcher Plants
Comments (8)I was excited to see 2 replies for my request and it turns out all I did was upset people! Kay and Karyn, If I have offended you with my request I apologise. I know the cost of these plants which is why I thought I would see if anyone would be kind enough to trade. I realize my list isn't the most glamourous which is why I was willing to do multiple trades for 1 plant. Once again I'm sorry if I have offended you. I'm unsure how to remove or close a posting so to anyone else who happens across this posting please disregard it....See MoreEpsom salts
Comments (14)I do use Epsom salts just a couple of times a year. However, I think it would depend on what type of fertilizer you are consistently using. If you use Michigan state I wouldn't worry about it. I use Cal Mag alternately off and on but am not very scientific in my approach. I also use a bloom booster on my Paph's when they reach a point where they are producing new plants on the side to get the old plant to bloom. If I was using regular fertilizer I would give all my orchids a dose of 1/4 teaspoon Epsom salt per gallon every 3 months. I find dolomite lime added to my Paph mix or sprinkled on top of the mix can have an effect on bloom production. Also sometimes cooler temps can cause them to bloom. Look up each Paph on the web. Jay Pfal's orchid encyclopedia web site is amazing. If they grow on the sides of limestones cliffs or on rocks add a little bit of lime. Again, I am not real scientific about the amount. I just add a little dolomite to the top of the mix 2-3 times a year. Also you can find out if they need cooler temperatures. Good luck. Happy New Year!...See Morelady slippers
Comments (2)Do you mean you are planting the seedlings directly into the garden????? That is your mistake! You really should grow the seedlings in pots until they are large enough to be transplanted. Also since that would take about 4 years you could be amending the soil of the area where you want the orchids to be planted. Pot culture is relatively easy and if you already live in an area where the orchids naturally occur all you would have to do is to put the potted plants out in a cold shed overwinter and just protect them from freezing though making sure they are around 35 degrees F for 3 or so months. Spangle Creek has info on how to grow them....See MorePink Lady's Slippers Won't Bloom
Comments (6)I also have lady slippers on my property, and the critters get them from time to time. Sometimes they just disappear, only to return a few years later, so I guess the "rest" thing is accurate. Also, when I find them on other properties around here, they are mainly in pine needle duff in fairly dry areas of very acidic soils. I still have the acid soils, but many pine trees are dying out and have been replaced with hardwoods. Maybe that is a problem for you, too? As for light exposure, I have seen them in bright sunlight up in the mountains and in both light and deep shade in the Piedmont, so I don't think that is the cause. They are the most temperamental of the terrestrial orchids...just attended a presentation about US orchids, and the speaker said they are the most difficult to keep going. Good luck....See MoreE W
6 years agoarthurm2015
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agowestoh Z6
6 years agoE W
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agowestoh Z6
6 years ago
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Jordan (Zone 7a, Tulsa OK)