About

Paphiopedilum lawrenceanum, Lawrence's paphiopedilum, is a slipper orchid producing a rosette of strap-shaped, mottled, leathery leaves. A single, long-lasting flower with the characteristic pouch-shaped lip and spreading, boldly striped petals appears on an upright stem. A rewarding and ornamental orchid for a warm to intermediate heated greenhouse.

About the genus

Paphiopedilum, the slipper orchids, are mainly terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic orchids lacking pseudobulbs, producing fans of strap-shaped, often mottled, leathery leaves. Each shoot terminates in a solitary flower or raceme of 2�8 flowers, each with a distinctive pouch-shaped lip. Grown in warm to intermediate heated greenhouses.

Plant details

Suggested usesWindowsills, shaded conservatories, orchid collections. A rewarding houseplant.

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fine bark-based orchid compost. Bright indirect light, no direct sun. Keep evenly moist (no drying out). 15-25�C.
PruningRemove spent flower stems at the base. No other pruning needed.
PropagationDivide when the plant has multiple mature growths. Each division needs at least 3 fans.
Pest resistanceMealybugs and scale insects may colonise leaf bases.
Disease resistanceRoot rot from overwatering or stale compost. Repot every 1-2 years.