Oo's Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum ooii)

Image: AI generated

Oo's Slipper Orchid Plant Care

Paphiopedilum ooii Koop.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's most distinctive feature is its unique slipper-shaped bloom, which resembles a pouch. Originating from Borneo, Paphiopedilum ooii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and exotic appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection.

🪴Houseplants🌸Orchids
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Plant Oo's Slipper Orchid in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Oo's Slipper Orchid Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Oo's Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum ooii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Paphiopedilum genus. Oo's Slipper Orchid is native to Mount Kinabalu on Borneo.

Oo's Slipper Orchid displays a clumping, terrestrial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Oo's Slipper Orchid produces unique slipper-shaped blooms in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Water a young or newly planted Oo's Slipper Orchid every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Oo's Slipper Orchid Need?

Oo's Slipper Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Oo's Slipper Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oo's Slipper Orchid Prefer?

Paphiopedilum ooii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Oo's Slipper Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Oo's Slipper Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Feed Oo's Slipper Orchid every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Oo's Slipper Orchid is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Oo's Slipper Orchid can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Prune Oo's Slipper Orchid while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Oo's Slipper Orchid in Winter?

Oo's Slipper Orchid is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Oo's Slipper Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to godefroy's paphiopedilum plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Oo's Slipper Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Oo's Slipper Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Oo's Slipper Orchid?

Oo's Slipper Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Oo's Slipper Orchid Need?

Oo's Slipper Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Oo's Slipper Orchid is native to Mount Kinabalu on Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Oo's Slipper Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Oo's Slipper Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Paphiopedilum genus — compare its care with other Paphiopedilum species on PlantoScan.

Paphiopedilum is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.

Oo's Slipper Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Paphiopedilum Species

Other Paphiopedilum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Paphiopedilum ooii Koop., family Orchidaceae (first published in Orchid Digest 63: 106 (1999)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Oo's Slipper Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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