Paphiopedilum fairieanum is a small growing plant with bright green, strap like leaves. It hails from the Himalayas and Bhutan where is grows in leaf litter and humus. This plant can often be found growing on limestone outcrops, which is why it is considers a calcareous paphiopedilum. Many grower advise adding oyster shells or some from of limestone. I very lightly supplement the growing medium with dolimitic lime about every three months. It requires intermediate to cool growing conditions. I have heard some people grow it warm but mine started to wilt a bit when temps went over 85 in the summer. To counteract to warm temperature, I put it in a shady spot over the summer. This allowed it could enjoy its summer vacation. This seemed to really help it deal with the heat. In the winter, I keep the temps between 75 and 60. My fairieanum appears to do very well with this arrangement. It is about 10 inches under a 125W CFL grow light. So far so good with this one.
It has a reputation for being finicky and failing to thrive, especially when it is young. Right now I have two growths, but I will feel better about its stability if it makes it to four growths. It is a bit of a diva. This bloom definitely took its time appearing. I think is took about 3 months for it to fully open. That feels pretty diva like to me. I will do my best to keep it happy and hope it does not have a melt down.
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