Paph. hainanense

Base Price: $35.00

Intro:
Paphiopedilum hainanense, a species in the appletonium group, is native to Hainan Island off of China. It is a warm growing species that adapts quite readily to artificial culture. Flowers can appear twice per year. The beautiful mottled foliage stays compact and tends to throw multiple growths.

Light:
Low to medium, 750 – 1000 foot-candles is ideal. If you grow phalaenopsis, these plants can grow alongside and even tolerate slightly lower light.

Temperature:
As for phalaenopsis, with nights ranging between 60º to 65º in the winter and daytime temps of 72º to 85º. Summer temps can be slightly warmer.

Humidity:
50% or above. Misting the plants is useful if done in the morning hours. Humidity trays will also serve to increase humidity levels.

Water:
Rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water is best. Water as the plant approaches dryness. One easy trick to check for dryness is to pull the label out of the pot and feel it for moisture. When it feels barely moist, it is time to water. Water thoroughly from the top so that water is coming out all the drain holes.

Fertilizer:
We highly recommend using 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 if plants are planted in bark. Be sure to flush the mix with clear water only once per month to prevent fertilizer salt build up.

Or use GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.

Flowering:
This plant can bloom twice per year under cultivation. Spikes generally emerge in the spring with 12 – 18” tall stems bearing a single flower colored in pink, green and tan. The flowers last 2 – 3 months. As the plant matures and develops multiple growths, it can produce multiple flower spikes that are reminiscent of a flock of birds in flight. This plant can also flower in the fall months.

Repotting:
Repot in the spring or early summer just after flowering utilizing a medium grade bark mix. Do not overpot. This plant prefers being grown into a large specimen so don’t be tempted to divide it too soon.