My tax day and Easter day gift, combined, was a beautiful lady slipper (Paphiopedilum).
I know nothing about orchids — well I knew nothing about orchids until now as I just spent the past 2 hours on-line looking up information on caring for orchids.
The lady slipper was bought from The Orchid Exchange store, so I’m not too worried that I got a poor quality orchid that’s going to keel over in a few days. It’s in a plastic container with good drainage holes, the potting medium is bark (I believe, I’m going go to the store myself and check that). It has mottled leaves, so I believe it’s a warm-growing orchid; house-temperature should be fine for now. I need to pick up some fertilizer, but the store has recommended some kinds, so I think I’ll be OK.
Thus, my only questions are as follows: What about a terrarium? I have a nice large terrarium that is not completely airtight, so moisture won’t build up inside. I’d like to put the orchid inside it, so that the cats won’t be tempted to nibble on the plant, is this a horrible idea for an orchid? How have anyone’s experiences been with orchids, lady-slippers in particular? Any tips you’d like to give a first-time orchid care-taker?
