Paphiopedilum Maudiae is one species recommended for beginners because of its comparatively easy care.
Paphiopedilum, or slipper orchids, are divided into two groups -- those with green leaves, which prefer cooler environments, and those with mottled leaves, which prefer warmer environments. Paph. maudiae, the mottled-leaf species, so, it belongs to warmer growing slipper orchids. Flowers may persist on the plants for as long as two months. Because of its easy growing requirements, which can be provided in most homes, P. maudiae is a popular houseplant.
Growing Media
Orchid growing media are typically bark-based mixes, which contain shredded or chunked fir or pine bark. Orchid potting mix “recipes” are as varied as the preferences of individual growers and also include other ingredients, such as leaf mold, sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite. Remember, you should replace orchid growing media when the components start breaking down. If you don’t, the roots may die from media decomposition and soil compaction, which kills the entire plant.
Natural temperature and light conditions of maudiae orchids give clues as to what its indoor cultivation should mimic. They grow on the forest floor, underneath a shaded canopy of trees and understory shrubs. As a houseplant, they must be given shady conditions that protect them from direct sun coming in through windows. If they’re grown outdoors during warm months, hanging baskets or placing containers underneath trees protects them from direct sun. Paph. maudiae doesn't need a day-night temperature difference.
Water and Fertilizer
Do not to allow potting media to dry completely to ensure that maudiae's roots remain constantly moist, however, it shoudn't be wet. Plant media must drain freely without becoming waterlogged or roots will rot. The lipped pouch, which is a defining feature of slipper orchids, must be emptied immediately if it collects water or it will also rot. Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen during P. maudiae’s spring and early summer growing seasons.
Pests and Diseases
Mealybugs and scale insects are the two primary pests of maudiae orchids. Conventional pest-control methods using alcohol-dipped swabs for mealybugs and horticultural oil for scale insects are inadequate controls for orchid infestations. Using insecticides that contain systemic growth regulators is often the only remedy for breaking the life cycle of these persistent pests. Bacterial rot from Erwinia species plagues paphiopedilum species. Preventive controls include providing good air circulation, not splashing water among plants and removing dropped leaves. At the onset of a bacterial infection, removing rotted areas and treating wounds with a bactericide may halt the disease.
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