About
Solitary flowers up to 10cm across, appearfrom the centre of the leaf rosette and are carried on 15 - 20cm tall erect stems. A semi-terrestrial, clump-forming, evergreen orchid with ovate, light and dark green mottled, 12cm long leaves. Apple green pouch (or slipper) is a modification of lip that traps insects and consequently provides an 'escape route' which results in successfull collection of pollen and flower pollination. Green and white lateral sepals are largely fused and hidden behind the pouch. Petals are apple green and white, upper sepal is white with dark green stripes.
About the genus
Paphiopedilum are mainly terrestrial, and lithophytic or epiphytic. They lack pseudobulbs and produce short stems with strap-shaped leathery leaves. Each shoot ends in a solitary flower or racemes of 2-8 flowers each with a distinctive variably-shaped lip or pouch
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in terrestrial, bark based orchid mix, with added sphagnum moss and perlite, or crushed limestone chips. In summer, provide higher humidity and bright, filtered light. Average summer temperatures are between 20 - 25°C, with winter temperatures falling to 18 - 22°C. Apply fertiliser with every third watering. Avoid heavy misting or overhead watering. As the plant lacks pseudobulbs, it shouldn't be left dry for long time. Water plant as it approaches dryness, but avoid standing in water, or keeping wet for prolonged period. See Paphiopedilum cultivation for more detailed advice.
PruningNo pruning required.
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 healthy plant rosettes with a suffient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. May be susceptible to mealybugs.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Overhead watering in combination with low temperatures may cause bacterial rots in the centre of leaf rosettes.