Selenipedium dodsonii Plant Care

Selenipedium dodsonii (Selenipedium dodsonii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Selenipedium genus. Selenipedium dodsonii is native to Ecuador.

Selenipedium dodsonii displays a tall, upright growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Selenipedium dodsonii produces large, showy blooms in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Selenipedium dodsonii 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.

Selenipedium dodsonii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Selenipedium dodsonii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Selenipedium dodsonii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Selenipedium dodsonii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Selenipedium dodsonii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Selenipedium dodsonii 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.

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

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

Selenipedium dodsonii is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Selenipedium dodsonii can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.

Prune Selenipedium dodsonii 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.

Selenipedium dodsonii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Selenipedium dodsonii can be propagated through division, back bulbs.

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

Selenipedium dodsonii 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.

Selenipedium dodsonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Selenipedium dodsonii is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Selenipedium dodsonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.