Also, orchids are prized by plant collectors, a practice that has endangered several plant species. Unfortunately, very few native orchids survive being transplanted into greenhouse pots or flower gardens. Recovery Needs Sites that harbor southern lady's slippers need to be protected from logging and water-table alteration. Stems bear both leaves and flowers. There is usually one stem per plant.
Leaves are alternate and range in number from two to nine, five being the most common.
Leaf blades are oval in shape. Margins taper gradually from the middle of the blade and with a twist at the apex. Venation is parallel with seven highly noticeable veins. A few hairs occur only along the veins. Inflorescences are composed of typically one solitary flower per plant.