Origin
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes ssp. occidentalis (Holz.) Calder & Taylor, also known as Fairy Slipper Orchid, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This plant is native to North America, particularly in the western part of the continent, including Alaska, Yukon, and the western region of the United States.
Common names
Fairy Slipper Orchid is the most commonly used name for Calypso bulbosa. Other names for this plant include Calypso orchid, Venus’ slipper, Hider-of-the-north, and Sap-sucker’s delight.
Appearance
Calypso bulbosa is a small perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm tall. It has a solitary stem with a single leaf at the base of the plant. The leaf is roundish in shape and has a diameter of up to 10 cm. Fairy Slipper Orchid produces a single flower that is around 3 cm long and looks like a slipper or a clog. The flower is pinkish-purple in color, and the petals are sparsely spotted with dark maroon speckles. The lip of the flower is the most noticeable feature of the plant. It is shaped like a pouch, and its opening is lined with yellow hairs. The plant blooms from late May to early July.
Uses
Calypso bulbosa is not commonly used in traditional medicine. However, some Native American tribes used the plant to treat certain ailments such as rheumatism, fevers, and sore throats. The plant is a popular ornamental plant among gardeners and horticulturists due to its unique appearance. In some regions, Fairy Slipper Orchid is a protected species, and it is illegal to pick or harvest the plant.
Light Requirements:
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes ssp. occidentalis (Holz.) Calder & Taylor thrives in partial to full shade environments. They prefer filtered sunlight through the canopy of trees or in the dappled shade of tall vegetation. Direct sunlight can scorch the plant's foliage and hinder its growth potential.
Soil Requirements:
Suitable soil for the Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes ssp. occidentalis (Holz.) Calder & Taylor must be well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter. It should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. The soil should provide enough nutrients for the plant to flower, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Temperature Requirements:
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes ssp. occidentalis (Holz.) Calder & Taylor is a cold-hardy plant and can tolerate freezing temperatures. They grow best in regions with a cool and moist climate, such as in the Pacific Northwest of North America. The ideal temperature range during their growing season is between 53 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 17 degrees Celsius)
Cultivation Methods for Calypso bulbosa
Calypso bulbosa is a terrestrial orchid that is mainly found in the temperate regions of North America, typically growing in moist coniferous and mixed forests. The plant is known for its delicate, pink, and white flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer. If you wish to cultivate this plant, you must follow some fundamental techniques.
The Calypso bulbosa is usually propagated through seed sowing or division of the rhizome. To sow the seeds, it is essential to use clean, well-draining soil and maintain temperatures ranging between 50-60°F. It is also important to keep the soil consistently moist and to avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal and bacterial infections.
Watering Needs
The soil should be kept evenly moist and well-drained for Calypso bulbosa. You should water the plant before the soil gets too dry. These orchids prefer slightly damp environments with moderate humidity; therefore, frequent spraying can help maintain the ideal conditions. During the summer, you can reduce watering as the plant enters a period of dormancy. In contrast, you should increase watering during the active growth period of spring and fall.
Fertilization
Calypso bulbosa requires minimal fertilization. You can use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once per month, but you should not provide any fertilizer during its dormancy period in summer. It is important to avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to chemical burns, stunted growth, or even death of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of Calypso bulbosa is minimal, but it is essential to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. This will prevent fungal and bacterial infections from spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Deadheading any spent blooms will also help the plant conserve its energy and focus on new growth. Do not remove the leaves at the base of the plant as they play a vital role in photosynthesis and nutrient storage.
Overview of Calypso bulbosa ssp. occidentalis propagation
Calypso bulbosa ssp. occidentalis, commonly known as the Pacific Calypso Orchid, is a beautiful and delicate flowering plant. It grows in wet, shaded coniferous forests, and its natural habitat ranges from Alaska to California. Propagating this orchid is a challenging task, as it requires a specific range of environmental conditions to grow successfully. The propagation can be done by two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method to propagate Calypso Orchids. In nature, this orchid propagates through seeds dispersed by ants. Collecting seeds is easy, and they can be harvested when the seedpods are mature, and the capsule begins to open up. The seed needs to be sown on the soil surface, and it will germinate after a few weeks in the right conditions. The best time to sow the seed is in early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist during the germination period.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is an alternative method to propagate Calypso Orchids. This method involves the division of mature orchids, where the plant is divided into smaller sections with healthy roots, stems, and leaves. This method requires a lot of care and patience, as it takes time for the plant to establish its roots in the new soil. Dividing the orchids is best done during the dormant season when the plants are not actively growing. The division can be done by carefully removing the orchid from its pot or the soil and gently separating the roots and bulbs.
It is important to note that Calypso Orchids grow slowly, and it takes a few years for them to reach maturity. Therefore, propagating this orchid may take some time and patience. Nonetheless, with proper care and attention, the propagation of Calypso Orchids can lead to a rewarding and beautiful outcome, providing an opportunity to enjoy these lovely blooms at home.
Disease Management
Calypso bulbosa is a relatively disease-tolerant plant, but certain fungal infections can still occur. One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is powdery mildew, which can cause a white or grayish film to develop on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant material and ensure proper air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture buildup. Fungicidal sprays can also be applied to prevent further spread.
Another fungal disease that can affect Calypso bulbosa is rust, which can cause yellow-orange pustules to form on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant material and avoid overhead watering to prevent moisture buildup. Fungicidal sprays can also be applied to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests affecting Calypso bulbosa are slugs and snails. These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage these pests, handpick them from the plant and remove any debris that could provide shelter. Copper barrier tape can also be applied around the base of the plant to prevent slugs and snails from crawling up.
Another common pest that can affect Calypso bulbosa is aphids, which can cause curled and distorted leaves. To manage these pests, blast them off the plant with a strong stream of water or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. In severe cases, insecticidal soaps or oils can also be applied.
