Calypso bulbosa Fairyslipper (Orchidaceae)

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Calypso bulbosa
Fairyslipper
(1 Page of 5)

The Calypso bulbosa plant species is found in N. Europe, N. America - Alaska to California. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Fairyslipper. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. borealis. Cytherea bulbosa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Calypso bulbosa
Common Name:  Fairyslipper
Family:  Orchidaceae
Author:  (L.)Oakes.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.1   Mature Width:  0.1

Habitat:  Soils rich with decaying leaves and wood, in moist pine or spruce woods and by cool shady streams from sea level to the mid-montane zone[60, 155].

Cultivation Notes: Grows well in half shade in a light moist organic-rich soil[1, 42, 200]. Requires a lime-free soil, doing best in full shade[42]. The plant comes into growth in the autumn and, although fairly hardy, is best grown in a frame or unheated greenhouse[230]. Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid[230]. Plants can be naturalized in the woodland or bog garden[200]. Apply a good organic mulch in the winter[1]. Plants do not always grow every year, the bulb can remain dormant in the soil for 2 years[42].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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