Showy Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium reginaeUSDA | Grow Zone
3-7Outdoors all year in zones 3 to 7. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 40°F.
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Keep soil moist
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Temperature
- 60-75°F
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Growth
- Slow
- Mature size
- 12-24 in tall
Showy Lady's Slipper, or Cypripedium reginae, is a stunning orchid native to North America, known for its unique pouch-like flowers. This plant thrives in partial shade and moist, acidic soils, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their landscapes.
Ask Vesper about Showy Lady's Slipper
Ideal temperature
60-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 40°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 12-24 in tall
- Plant apart
- 12-18 in
- Frost
- Hardy: survives frost
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Water Showy Lady's Slipper regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause wilting and leaf drop.
Light
This orchid prefers partial shade, thriving in dappled sunlight or filtered light.
Ideal placement is under the canopy of trees or in a location that receives 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon rays.
Soil
Showy Lady's Slipper thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
A recommended potting mix includes a blend of sphagnum moss, pine bark, and perlite to ensure good aeration and drainage. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much moisture.
Humidity
This plant prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%.
To increase humidity, consider using a pebble tray filled with water or a humidifier. Signs of humidity stress include browning leaf tips and wilting.
Temperature
Showy Lady's Slipper thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.
It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, tolerating cold winters but may require protection from extreme heat in summer.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 30-10-10, diluted to half strength.
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season and reduce to every 8-10 weeks in the fall and winter. Signs of nutrient deficiency include stunted growth and pale leaves.
Pruning
Prune Showy Lady's Slipper after the flowering period, typically in late summer.
Remove spent flower spikes and any dead or yellowing leaves using clean, sharp scissors. This helps promote healthy growth and flowering in the following season.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or stunted growth. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently untangle the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Propagation
Propagation can be achieved through division or seeds.
For division, carefully separate the rhizomes in early spring when the plant is actively growing, ensuring each division has roots and at least one growth point. For seed propagation, collect seeds in late summer and sow them in a sterile medium, keeping them moist and in a warm location. Best timing for propagation is in early spring.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Often caused by over-watering or insufficient light.
How to fix it
Adjust watering frequency and ensure the plant receives adequate indirect sunlight.
Root rot
Why it happens
Occurs from consistently soggy soil and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Improve drainage by repotting in a well-draining mix and reduce watering frequency.
Wilting leaves
Why it happens
Can result from under-watering or low humidity.
How to fix it
Increase watering and humidity levels, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist.
Poor flowering
Why it happens
May be due to insufficient light or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Ensure the plant receives adequate light and fertilize appropriately during the growing season.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
Often a sign of low humidity or over-fertilization.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and reduce fertilizer application to prevent further damage.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, resume regular watering and fertilization as the plant begins to grow. Monitor for new growth and adjust light exposure as needed.
Summer
During summer, keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to protect from intense sunlight. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
Fall
In fall, gradually reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Continue to monitor humidity levels to prevent stress.
Winter
In winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks and keep the plant in a cooler location to mimic its natural dormancy period.
Toxicity & Safety
Showy Lady's Slipper is non-toxic to pets and children. It is safe to grow around cats and dogs, with no known harmful effects from ingestion.
Good to know
How often should I water my Showy Lady's Slipper?
Water your Showy Lady's Slipper every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
What type of soil is best for Showy Lady's Slipper?
A well-draining, acidic soil mix with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. Consider using a blend of sphagnum moss, pine bark, and perlite.
Why are my Showy Lady's Slipper leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or insufficient light. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure the plant receives adequate indirect sunlight.
When is the best time to repot Showy Lady's Slipper?
Repot your Showy Lady's Slipper every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound, ideally in early spring when the plant is actively growing.
How can I increase humidity for my Showy Lady's Slipper?
Increase humidity by using a pebble tray filled with water or a humidifier, aiming for levels between 50-70%.
What is the ideal temperature for Showy Lady's Slipper?
Showy Lady's Slipper thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.
Is Showy Lady's Slipper toxic to pets?
No, Showy Lady's Slipper is non-toxic to both pets and children, making it a safe choice for households.
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