About
A distinctive slipper orchid, with a neat rosette of arching, often attractively patterned leaves. A sculptural flower with glossy, waxy textures and bold markings emerges. Individual blooms last 6-10 weeks. The hybrid 'J. Gurney Fowler' is prized for its floral form.
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
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.