How to propagate Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum? Master these propagation key points
Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum can be made into potted plants to place at home; it can not only be used for ornamental viewing, but also beautify the environment and purify the air. Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum is also cultivated in some mountain forest scenic areas, where it can provide a large amount of negative ions to the air. Artificial propagation of Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum can use division and sowing methods, generally mainly by division.
Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum
Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum is commonly propagated by division, and can also be propagated by sowing. When the plant has more than 6 leaf clusters, it can be divided, often during the dormant period after flowering. Take the cluster out of the flower pot, remove the attached growing medium, pull it apart by hand, and plant separately. After planting, place it in a low-light area to recover; once growth resumes, normal cultivation can proceed. For sowing, because the seeds are tiny and the embryo is underdeveloped, sterile embryo culture must be carried out in test tubes. After germination, through 2-3 rounds of seedling separation and transplanting, when the seedlings are 3 cm tall, they can be removed from the test tubes and cultivated in flower pots. From sowing to flowering takes 4-5 years. Often used for breeding new varieties or mass propagation of seedlings.
Introduction and care key points for Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid)
Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid)
Scientific name: Paphiopedilum
Family and genus: Orchidaceae, Paphiopedilum
Origin and distribution: distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia. The genus has about 70 species.
Care key points: perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. Most are terrestrial, a few are epiphytic. One of the most widely cultivated orchids in the world. Because of its peculiar form, pouch-shaped lip, and rich colors, it is deeply loved by people. Plant in small pots with leaf mold or peat soil; epiphytic species are planted with bark chunks. Fertilize once about every two weeks during the growing period; and often keep the potting soil moist and airy. Prefers semi-shade and a cool environment; in spring, summer, and autumn provide about 50% shade; for high-mountain species, place in a cool and ventilated spot during high summer temperatures. Wintering temperature 10-15°C. Green-leaved species are relatively cold-tolerant.
Commonly cultivated species in China:
Paphiopedilum henryanum
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum markianum
Paphiopedilum armeniacum
Paphiopedilum godefroyae
Paphiopedilum micranthum
Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum
Paphiopedilum dianthum
Paphiopedilum malipoense
Paphiopedilum emersonii
Paphiopedilum wardii
Paphiopedilum appletonianum
Paphiopedilum concolor
Paphiopedilum purpuratum
Paphiopedilum villosum
Propagation: division and sterile sowing.
Light: needs light, slightly shade-tolerant (semi-shade).
Water: grows in moist soil.
Temperature: slightly cold-tolerant, can withstand low temperatures of -5 to 0°C.
Humidity: prefers moisture, relative humidity above 60%, generally 70%-90%.
Cultivation key points for Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid)
Paphiopedilum is a terrestrial orchid; its flower shape is peculiar, the flowering period is long-lasting, and the flower colors are also rich. Many people love Paphiopedilum, but at present its cultivation is not widespread, mainly because many orchid enthusiasts have not mastered its habits, leading to repeated setbacks in cultivation. Paphiopedilum is divided by form into two major categories: green-leaved species and mottled-leaved species. Green-leaved species have entirely green leaves, large flowers, and bright colors, and are native to cool high-mountain regions, so they are not easy to cultivate in the flatlands of Guangdong. Mottled-leaved species relatively prefer sunlight and temperature, and can be cultivated in the flatlands to flower normally.Location: best in a shaded orchid shed, and with good ventilation; do not place it too close to window walls, and do not hang it for cultivation.
Planting: Paphiopedilum is a terrestrial orchid, and its roots differ from those of other orchids; they are root strands covered with fine hairs. The growing medium should be an organic mixture, such as: sphagnum moss, fine tree fern fiber, wood shavings, peat soil, etc. For drainage material at the bottom, crushed stone and brick pieces can be used, about 1/5 of the volume. The overall requirement is that it be loose and well drained.
Light: Paphiopedilum does not like strong light, similar to Phalaenopsis; in summer provide 60%-70% shade, in spring and autumn 50%-60% shade, and in winter 40%-50% shade.
Temperature: the suitable growing temperature for green-leaved species is 12-25°C, and for mottled-leaved species 15-25°C, but they can also survive above 30°C, only with growth close to a standstill. From March to June, do not let the temperature exceed about 22°C, otherwise it is not easy to flower.
Water: Paphiopedilum does not like high air humidity, but it likes the growing medium in the pot to remain slightly moist, though not too wet, so it is best to give a "small amount" of water every day.
Fertilizer: fertilizing Paphiopedilum is very particular; Paphiopedilum is very sensitive to salt, so it must not be over-fertilized to avoid salt damage. Fertilizer can only be applied during the vigorous growth period; at ordinary times it is better to apply less. Orchid growers in Taiwan have a good method to prevent salt accumulation: after watering, wait 1-2 hours until the salts in the substrate can leach out, then water once more. About every 15-20 days, spray once with a water-soluble quick-acting fertilizer diluted about 2000 times. For non-flowering plants, use Hyponex No. 2 N:P:K=20:20:20 or the commonly used compound fertilizer 15:15:15 on the market; for plants approaching flowering, supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote flowering.
Propagation: home cultivation commonly uses division: when young plants grow from the base of the mature plant and have more than three new roots, they can be cut off and planted separately. Commercial production commonly uses sterile sowing and tissue culture methods.