Culture
Over winter reduce watering, only water when the top of the pot is becoming dry, but increase watering during warmer months. Protect from strong drying winds and repot annually in spring. Aeration is particularly important; shallow pots are normally preferred and pots are best placed on a wire mesh bench, or something off the ground to allow air movement around the base of the pot.
Well developed plants can be divided just before active growth begins.
Over summer undertake regular watering and regular application of soluble fertilizer. Avoid high temperatures (over 30 degrees C) by shading, misting and/or ventilation; and never allow temperatures below 12 to 14 degrees C.
One of the easiest slippers to grow is P. insigne, which flowers in autumn and has been grown even on an indoor windowsill in a mild climate such as Sydney.
A good Paphiopedilum potting mix is a little richer and heavier than most other tropical orchid mixes. (e.g. 80% of 5 10mm diameter pine bark, 18% of 5 10mm diameter charcoal, 2% shell grit, and a pinch of blood and bone per pot). Always wet the potting mix thoroughly before using it.
They flower mainly over winter. Flower quality is affected by several things including watering, feeding, staking and light.
Reduce shading considerably from mid-autumn to mid-spring. Do not water at this time unless reasonably dry and only water early morning on a sunny day.