Cypripedium Lichiangense: A Guide to Growth & Care

The Lijiang Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium lichiangense) is a rare and exquisite orchid species, classified as a Class I nationally protected plant in China. This member of the Orchidaceae family and Cypripedium genus is prized for its unique beauty and ecological significance.

Distribution

Cypripedium lichiangense is endemic to China, specifically found in:

• Southwest Sichuan
• Northwest Yunnan (including Lijiang, where the type specimen was collected)

It thrives at elevations between 2600-3500 meters (8530-11480 feet) in various microhabitats:

• Within shrublands
• Sparse, open forests
• Slopes and walls of deep mountain valleys
• Beside sparse mountain grasses
• Beneath secondary mixed forests
• Shaded locations with brief or scattered sunlight

These orchids prefer well-drained yet moisture-retentive sites, often growing in slope crevices that provide ideal conditions.

Morphology and Characteristics

Height: Approximately 10 cm (4 inches)

Rhizome: Thick and relatively short

Stem:

• Upright, 3-7 cm (1.2-2.8 inches) long
• Enclosed within two tubular sheaths

Leaves:

• Two leaves, nearly opposite, lying flat against the ground
• Shape: Ovate to obovate or nearly round
• Size: 8.5-19 cm (3.3-7.5 inches) long, 7-16 cm (2.8-6.3 inches) wide
• Color: Dark green with purple-black spots, sometimes with purple edges
• Tip: Blunt or short-pointed

Inflorescence:

• Single terminal flower
• Peduncle: 4-7 cm (1.6-2.8 inches) long, glabrous
• No bracts
• Ovary: 1.2-1.8 cm (0.5-0.7 inches) long, usually curved, glabrous

Flower: Large and exceptionally beautiful

Sepals:

• Color: Dark yellow with dense reddish-brown spots or completely reddish-brown
• Median sepal: Ovate or broadly ovate, 4.2-7 cm (1.7-2.8 inches) long, 3.8-6 cm (1.5-2.4 inches) wide, sharply pointed, ciliate margin
• Lateral sepals: Elliptic, 3.5-5.6 cm (1.4-2.2 inches) long, 2-3.6 cm (0.8-1.4 inches) wide, slightly toothed tip, ciliate margin

Petals:

• Color: Dark yellow with sparse reddish-brown spots
• Shape: Obliquely elliptical, curved inward, embracing the lip
• Size: 4-6.5 cm (1.6-2.6 inches) long, 1.4-2.1 cm (0.6-0.8 inches) wide
• Tip: Sharply pointed
• Texture: Short soft hairs on upper backside, ciliate margin

Lip (Labellum):

• Color: Dark yellow with sparse reddish-brown spots
• Shape: Deeply pouch-like, nearly elliptical, flattened dorsoventrally
• Size: 3.3-4 cm (1.3-1.6 inches) long
• Features: Papillary protuberance on anterior surface, no small warts

Reduced stamens:

• Shape: Nearly elliptical
• Size: 1.3-1.5 cm (0.5-0.6 inches) long
• Features: Papillary protuberance on surface

Flowering period: May to July.

Habits

Orchids typically thrive on mountain slopes and valley walls within deep mountain valleys, on inclined surfaces or crevices that offer good water drainage and retention. They prefer locations with dappled shade or brief periods of sunlight, often found growing beneath secondary mixed forests or beside sparse mountain grass. These plants favor environments with high air humidity and good circulation, sometimes seen clinging to cliff edges near mountain streams.

Optimal growing conditions for orchids include:

• Good air circulation
• Shade or filtered light, avoiding direct sunlight
• High humidity
• Temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F)

Orchids struggle in temperatures above 35°C (95°F) and may become dormant below 5°C (41°F). Exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch within a day or two. Conversely, if exposed to freezing temperatures without protection, orchids may suffer frost damage.

The ideal growing medium for orchids is a well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) sandy loam soil rich in humus. Materials such as leaf mold or humus-rich mountain soil are excellent choices. The soil should retain some moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely, mimicking their natural habitat.

Cultivation Methods

When setting up an orchid greenhouse or growing area:

1. Choose an east-west facing location with southeastern exposure
2. Provide shade from intense midday sun (use a high wall or large tree to the west)
3. Ensure a clean environment with adequate humidity
4. Prioritize good ventilation and protection from strong winds
5. If using a rooftop or balcony, install shading and curtains to prevent leaf scorch
6. Consider creating a muddy area or small water feature beneath the growing area to maintain humidity
7. Maintain cleanliness to prevent pests and diseases

Temperature management:

• Move orchids indoors when outdoor temperatures approach 0°C (32°F)
• Aim for a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) during the day in winter
• Night temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) without issue
• Begin warming in late autumn, focusing on maturing new growth
• Reduce heating from mid-December to late January, allowing for a slow growth period
• Increase humidity, temperature, and light from February to encourage early growth
• Provide supplemental lighting during winter warming periods
• Avoid continuous 24-hour warming; maintain temperature fluctuations
• Keep warming temperatures below 25°C (77°F) to prevent harm

Potting

Optimal potting times are spring (March-April) or autumn (October-November). Use small-mouthed, deep pots with large drainage holes. For newly collected wild seedlings, start with clay pots to promote root growth and soil aeration. After 2-3 years, consider transferring to purple clay or porcelain pots.

When repotting high-grade orchids:

1. Gently wash roots in clean water using a soft brush
2. Trim dead leaves, yellow leaves, and damaged or rotting roots
3. Allow the cleaned plant to dry until roots turn white and slightly wrinkled
4. Plant in prepared pot with appropriate growing medium

Potting methods:

Method One:

1. Rinse the orchid gently under running water
2. Hold the plant upside down in the pot, securing roots with chopsticks
3. Layer pot with pebbles, then medium-sized planting material
4. Fill remaining space with larger planting material
5. Ensure pseudobulbs are buried and the pot center is slightly raised

Method Two:

1. Prepare pot with proper drainage (broken tiles for clay pots, nylon mesh for purple sand pots)
2. Layer coarse stones and potting soil in the bottom of the pot
3. Position the orchid with roots spread naturally
4. Add soil gradually, shaking to ensure good root contact
5. Create a slightly domed surface and top with sphagnum moss or fine stones
6. Water thoroughly after potting
7. Place in a shaded area for one month before gradually introducing more light

Watering

Proper watering is crucial for orchid health:

• Maintain an environment that is 80% dry and 20% moist
• Water thoroughly when the growing medium is dry
• Adjust watering frequency based on the type of growing medium used
• Water in early morning or evening, never at midday
• Use clean, mildly acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5)
• For plants with fuzzy leaves or in bloom, bottom-water by placing the pot in a basin
• In winter, use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant
• During summer, avoid watering under intense sunlight or high temperatures

Fertilizing

Orchids benefit from balanced, diluted fertilizers:

• Use well-composted farmyard manure diluted 10-20 times with water
• Apply chemical fertilizers sparingly, ensuring a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• Foliar feeding is preferred, using a 1:1000 dilution of dipotassium phosphate and boron fertilizer
• Aloe vera juice can be an excellent natural fertilizer and pest deterrent
• Follow a “little and often” approach, fertilizing every 10-15 days during the growing season
• Prioritize natural organic fertilizers over chemical ones to maintain soil health

By following these detailed cultivation methods, orchid enthusiasts can create optimal growing conditions that mimic the plants’ natural habitats, promoting healthy growth and stunning blooms.

Propagation Methods

Propagation can be performed during spring and autumn, typically once every three years. Vigorous plants with densely packed pseudobulbs can be divided. After division, at least five interconnected pseudobulbs should be preserved in each section.

Before dividing, water should be reduced to slightly dry the potting soil. After division, broken tile pieces should be placed over the holes at the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of coarse stones, filling up one-fifth to one-fourth of the pot’s depth.

Then, coarse and fine soil should be added, followed by humus-rich sandy loam for planting. The planting depth should just cover the pseudobulbs. Leave a 2 cm gap at the edge of the pot, cover it with green moss or fine stones, thoroughly water the soil, and then place it in a shady area for 10-15 days. Maintain moist soil and gradually reduce watering for normal maintenance.

Pest and Disease Control

Puccinia

Usually found on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and less often on the stem, it appears as raised pustules that contain powdery spores of yellow, orange, rust, or even purplish-black color. Rust is not lethal, and leaves will not die from it, but it weakens the plant’s growth. Besides pruning diseased leaves, rust can be controlled by spraying with a 500-600 times dilution of 65% zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate or a copper-containing fungicide.

Powdery Mildew

This disease often occurs during damp rainy seasons. In the early stages, white hyphae cover the leaf bases, leading to root rot. Control methods include removing the infected potting soil and spreading pentachloronitrobenzene or lime. The most effective method is to ensure good ventilation and sunlight, and excellent drainage of the potting soil. Infected plants should be destroyed in severe cases.

Anthracnose

This disease can occur throughout the year but is most rampant during warm, rainy seasons. It often infects Cymbidium orchids. Initially, the disease causes brown spots to extend from the leaf tips towards the stem. These spots gradually enlarge and multiply, revealing numerous dry, black dots. In severe cases, the entire plant may die.

Besides improving environmental conditions, spraying with an 800-1500 times dilution of 50% methyl tolclofos-methyl every 7-10 days during the disease period can be effective. This can be supplemented with a 1% Bordeaux mixture sprayed once every half month, for a total of 3-5 times.

Scale Insects

Also known as “orchid lice,” these pests proliferate rapidly in high humidity, high temperature, and poor air circulation. During the hatching period, they can be controlled by spraying with a 1% solution of rotenone or a 1500 times dilution of 50% malathion. If there are not many infected pots, manual removal is also an option.