Hello, I have been on this site last year around this time. Sorry, I am still a novice with cypripediums and have so many questions, as I am determined to get this baby to bloom, though, I do need help from your experts.

This is the third winter I am ready to put the cyp into the refrigerator. It has been growing in a pot in inorg. medium. It's 3 leaves have become dry by now, exept for a little green on the leaf joints Is this a normal appearance for a cyp this time of the year?
When should it go into dormancy and be put into the refrigerator? How long should it be kept there? I think I took it out too early last spring.
Also, I would like to check the root system. Can I do this now, and maybe re-pot with new medium?

Very much appreciate your advise.

Helga.

Hello, Helga,

Many of my potted Cyps are becoming dormant now, especially those that came out of the refrigerator early. It is easy to check the roots at this time and you can just repot into the same medium. If you want to take the plant out of the refrigerator around May, I would not put in yet or it will likely break dormancy early. I would keep watering it as usual until the end of November to keep it from drying. Alternatively, you can water it, let the pot drain for a few hours, then place it into a large freezer bag (regular bags will allow it to dry out) and leave it at room temperature until the end of November. With the small amount of moisture the roots will not dry out and you do not have to keep watering your "empty" pot. Then you can put it in the refrigerator in November.

Good luck!

Ron Burch

Welcome back Helga and don't be a stranger! :D

Hello Ron.

If, as you said, it is ok to take the cyp out of the pot in order to check the roots now, I'll do that tomorrow. Am too curious about what goes on beneath the surface. Hopefully, the orchid will continue to stay alive until it goes into the fridge in November.

What can I expect the cyp to look by November? All leaves to be dried and fallen off? Or still some green on the leaf joints? How many months should the pot be kept cold?

Do you have a favorite webpage with detailed Cypripedium information for a beginner, Ron? I like to read and learn.

Thanks for your advise. Will check in again next year if the cyp makes it through the winter.

Helga.

Sorry, Nancy, since I have only one Cypripedium and many other kinds of orchids, I am usually on the "other" forum. My favorite orchids are the slipper kind and some day I'll convert to just paphs and phrags. Have to experiment with the right kind of environment first, instead of killing them.

Kind Regards,
Helga.

Helga, many of us here also grow other orchids besides slippers so stick around some more!:D

What other orchids do you grow?

Helga, many of us here also grow other orchids besides slippers so stick around some more!:D

What other orchids do you grow?

Nancy, I am growing Cattlayas, Miltonia, Oncs, Epis, Dens, 1 Mokara, and Phrags in my 12x20 ft. greenhouse. Phals & Paphs in our garage under lights. Cypbidiums outside as soon as the frost is over. I would like to get a better handle on the lady slippers though, as they are my favorite. The rest of the orchids are growing and blooming fine.

How about you?

I had a small greenhouse with many different orchids mostly slippers but we are constantly moving because of our jobs so now I only have a few handful left.