GULTURALANOTES 
Cypripediums are perhaps the easiest grown of all orchids. They can be 
grown either in Osmunda or in many different types of composts. Their basic 
requirements are that the media in which they grow has a high organic content 
such as leaf mold or similar material. They like to be grown cool though they 
do very well in the average Cattleya house. A great many growers grow them in 
with their Cymbidiums. They do best with an average night temperature of 
from 55 to 60 degrees. During the daytime the temperature can rise up into the 
70’s or even 80’s without any harm whatsoever. Temperatures can even go higher 
than those mentioned; however, the best growth is obtained in the first mentioned 
temperature range. Inasmuch as Cypripediums do not have any psuedobulbs in 
which to store moisture it is very important that they are not run dry at the 
roots for too long a period of time. In fact, they should be kept moist at their 
roots at all times as long as the drainage is good. They like rather heavy shading 
at all times. Light intensities of from 400 to around 800 ft. candles have proven 
to be optimum; however, they will stand higher light intensities without any 
appreciable ill effects, but their foliage is inclined to yellow excessively and if 
symptoms like this do develop the corrective measures are very simple. About 
the only pest Cypripediums have is thrip which can be controlled very easily 
by the use of a DDT spray. Strangely enough, slugs and snails do not find them 
palatable and hence, unlike with a great many other orchids, these two pests 
are not a problem. The flowers on Cypripediums last from several weeks to 
several months. 
(4) 
