Troubleshooting
Notable Slipper Orchid problems — and how to fix them
Notable Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum insigne) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot
Cold water sitting in the leaf crown during cool winter periods leads to rapid rot — water at the root level only.
Yellowing foliage
Excess nitrogen from fertiliser or high temperatures bleaches leaves yellow; cool conditions and lower-nitrogen feeds correct this.
Root rot
Overwatering or an overly fine, compacted mix causes roots to blacken; repot into fresh, gritty medium if detected.
Botrytis on flowers
Grey mould on petals during cool, humid, still conditions; improve air circulation to prevent it.
Mites
Low-humidity windowsill conditions in heated rooms encourage spider mite infestation; increase humidity and ventilation.
Prevent notable slipper orchid problems before they start
Most notable slipper orchid issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Notable Slipper Orchid problems — FAQ
Why is my notable slipper orchid crown rot?
Cold water sitting in the leaf crown during cool winter periods leads to rapid rot — water at the root level only.
Why is my notable slipper orchid yellowing foliage?
Excess nitrogen from fertiliser or high temperatures bleaches leaves yellow; cool conditions and lower-nitrogen feeds correct this.
Why is my notable slipper orchid root rot?
Overwatering or an overly fine, compacted mix causes roots to blacken; repot into fresh, gritty medium if detected.
Why is my notable slipper orchid botrytis on flowers?
Grey mould on petals during cool, humid, still conditions; improve air circulation to prevent it.
Why is my notable slipper orchid mites?
Low-humidity windowsill conditions in heated rooms encourage spider mite infestation; increase humidity and ventilation.