About
A semi-terrestrial, clump-forming, evergreen orchid with narrowly-oval, green, glossy leaves, 20-30cm long and 3-4cm wide. Petals and sepals are glossy, yellow-brown or maroon, with darker venation. Solitary flowers, 7-10cm across, are carried on 15-30cm long, upright, dark brown hairy stems emerging from the centre of the leaf rosettes in winter and spring.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in terrestrial, bark based orchid mix. 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, rooted 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