Planting Cypripediums, Volume 3

In this third and final volume I'd like to discuss care after planting, on a seasonal basis.

Spring

In the spring Cyps will emerge from the ground after the dormant period and almost immediately begin flowering. Remove any mulch after last frost. It takes about 2 weeks to completely unravel the leaves and open the flowers. The flowers will last for another 2-3 weeks. Different Cyps have slightly different times at which they emerge and flower, and different rates at which they grow. At this time you want to fertilize lightly, using half strength orchid food every two weeks or so. Remember not to let the soil dry out completely, with the exception of C. acaule, which only ever needs to be watered in drought years (unless you need to adjust the pH with vinegar solution). If you want cut flowers, cut as short as possible and only on large established clumps; it weakens the plant.

Summer

After flowering, Cyps enter their active growth phase. You can't tell from above ground, but underground the plant is producing new roots and next year's growth buds. During this time they need the most fertilizer (especially hybrids and reginae). For hybrids and reginae, use Miracle-Gro or comparable product as for perennials; for all others use the half strength orchid food every week. It is also advisable at this time to mulch with organic content; this enriches the soil and keeps it cool and moist (don't do this for C. acaule and NEVER fertilize it! Mulch with conifer needles instaed).

Fall

As the weather changes the Cyps will begin to enter their dormant phase. The leaves will turn yellow, then brown (some just turn brown). Once the growths are completely dead, you may remove them if desired. If you are lucky you may have some seed pods on flowered growths; if so you can either leave them to disperse the seeds naturally, or spread the seeds over the ground yourself. Perhaps one day I'll create a post explaining how to sow seeds in the lab... doing it the natural way will get you flowering plants in 10-16 years if you're lucky. Now mulch with a few inches of dead leaves for winter protection.

Winter

During the winter Cyps have their dormant period. If you're growing in containers, keep the plant in the crisper drawer of a fridge for at least 3 months, BARELY damp.

Happy growing; this concludes Planting Cypripediums!