Fairy Slipper

Fairy slipper plants need consistently moist soil, so it is important to water them regularly. Water the soil thoroughly, until water begins to trickle out through the drainage holes in the pot. Allow the soil to become nearly dry, about 1-2 inches deep, before watering again. In general, water fairy slippers about once per week during the growing season (late spring to early fall). During the winter months, you should water very lightly and only if the soil is really dry.

Fairy Slipper (Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis) thrives best in partial shade, ideally with 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Morning sunlight is best for this plant species, as its foliage is sensitive to the harsher afternoon sun rays. The plant species is known to tolerate full shade, however, the less light it receives the longer it will take to bloom so morning sunlight is preferred for optimal growth.

Fairy Slipper (Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis) should be pruned each spring, when the plant is emerging from dormancy. Start by removing dead or diseased stems as soon as you spot them, then shape the plant to your desired shape by snipping off overgrown areas. If some of the flower stems are extended, cut them just past the first set of leaves to keep plant growth manageable. Be sure not to prune too far back, as this may damage the bulb and inhibit flowering. It's also important to avoid pruning too late in the season to prevent new growth from being affected by frost.