Paph. Ma Belle

Base Price: $35.00

Cross: (bellatulum 'Dalmation' x malipoense 'Spring Green')

Intro:
Paphiopedilum Ma-Belle is a parvi/brachy hybrid utilizing the 2 species bellatulum and malipoense. These plants are easy to grow and produce 1 to 2 medium/large (to 5") green flowers with an overlay of red-purple spotting/veining. They carry on a slight fragrance from the malipoense.

Light:
Grow this plant in low to medium light from 750 to 1000 foot candles if growing at the window sill. Slightly less light under artificial illumination. East windows are ideal.

Temperature:
This plant grows in intermediate to warm conditions 58 to 64 degrees fahrenheit at night and 70's to 80's during the day. Warmer nights in the summer are tolerated as well.

Humidity:
50% to 70% is ideal. Slightly less humidity in winter will be tolerated as it is in nature.

Water:
The species used to create this primary hybrid grow in association with limestone outcrops. Water containing calcium and magnesium are essential to proper growth and flowering. Municipal water usually contains calcium and magnesium as most municipalities add limestone to the water supply to prevent corrosion of the metal pipes. Water from reservoirs is usually acceptable but it is best to check with the waterworks for pH levels and ppm of disolved solids. This plant and its parents will tolerate a pH of 7.8 and dissolved solids up to 150 ppm. Allow the plant to just approach dryness between watering. Keep somewhat drier during the winter months.

Fertilizer:
We recommend using Grow-More Urea Free 20-10-20 with municipal water, or Cal-Mag 15-5-15 when using rain, r.o .(reverse osmosis) or distilled water. Feed every third watering in the spring and summer months at full strength. During winter cut back to half strength.

We also highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water.

Flowering:
This can occur at any time of year but seems strongest in the spring to fall months. Flowering can occur evey 9 months.

Repotting:
Repot in the early spring as plants begin their new growths.