How to Grow Maudiae 'Takara'
Wikimedia Commons
Maudiae 'Takara'
Paphiopedilum maudiae 'Takara'
flowerMaudiae 'Takara' is a miniature lady's slipper orchid prized for its striking burgundy-red pouches contrasted with white and green petals. This compact orchid is a hybrid cultivar ideal for indoor collectors and orchid enthusiasts. It produces elegant, long-lasting flowers that bloom reliably with proper care.
When should you plant Maudiae 'Takara' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Maudiae 'Takara' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Maudiae 'Takara'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Maudiae 'Takara' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Maudiae 'Takara' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew plant acclimating to home conditions with 2-4 mature leaves visible
Place in bright, indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity (50-70%). Avoid fertilizing heavily in first month. Monitor for root rot.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 monthsPlant producing new leaves and developing the rosette form with 4-6 healthy leaves
Fertilize weekly at half-strength with balanced orchid fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar). Ensure good air circulation. Check for pests regularly.
Bud Development
4-8 weeksFlower spike emerges from base of plant; small green bumps visible on spike indicating flower buds
Maintain cool nights (55-60°F) to encourage blooming. Keep humidity high (60-70%). Provide bright light without direct sun. Avoid moving the plant.
Flowering
4-8 weeksBurgundy-red pouch with white/green upper petals fully opened; typically one flower per spike
Maintain consistent watering and humidity. Avoid misting flowers directly. Provide bright light. Flowers last 4-8 weeks or longer.
Post-Bloom Rest
2-4 monthsFlower fades and drops; plant returns to leaf growth with dormant flower spike
Reduce watering slightly (but don't dry out completely). Maintain bright light and good air circulation. Remove dead flower spike once it shrivels. Begin next growth cycle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity to 60%+. Spray underside of leaves with water. Use insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray neem oil or horticultural soap weekly for 3 weeks. Isolate plant from others.
-
Scrape off manually with soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat every 7-10 days for 3-4 weeks.
-
Allow top inch of bark to dry slightly between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) if severe.
-
Repot immediately in fresh bark mix. Remove all black/soft roots. Improve drainage and air circulation. Reduce watering frequency. Avoid standing water.
Uses
None
CulinaryThis orchid has no culinary use. [source]
Indoor Ornamental Display
HouseholdMaudiae 'Takara' is prized as an indoor houseplant for windowsills, terrariums, and plant collections. Its compact size and reliable flowering make it perfect for desks, shelves, and decorative displays. [source]
Cut Flowers for Arrangements
CraftThe long-lasting, elegant flowers are ideal for creating sophisticated floral arrangements and bouquets. Their striking burgundy and white contrast adds visual interest to formal or contemporary designs. [source]
None
WildlifeIndoor orchids do not attract wildlife; they are purely ornamental. [source]
None
MedicinalMaudiae 'Takara' has no documented medicinal uses. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower spikes at the base once blooms mature and are fully open. Flowers last 4-8 weeks on the plant and 1-2 weeks in a vase with water (change water every 2-3 days, keep cool). Do not remove spike until it dies back naturally—it may rebloom from the same spike.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Maudiae 'Takara' belongs to the Paphiopedilum genus, often called 'lady's slipper' orchids because the pouch-like labellum (lower petal) resembles a woman's slipper. This distinctive shape is an evolutionary adaptation to trap insects for pollination.
- 🌱 The 'Takara' cultivar is a line-bred hybrid developed in Japan, known for its deep burgundy coloring and relatively easy care compared to wild Paphiopedilum species. 'Takara' means 'treasure' in Japanese.
- 🌱 Paphiopedilum orchids are terrestrial or semi-terrestrial, unlike many other orchids, and naturally grow on forest floors with high humidity and dappled light—making them well-suited to indoor cultivation.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Maudiae 'Takara' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Maudiae 'Takara' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Maudiae 'Takara' timeline →