Paphiopedilum Orchids

Saturday, November 6th, 2010 at 3:58 pm

Often abbreviated as Paph, these magnificent Paphipedilum orchids are a type of tropical Asiatic Lady Slipper orchids or “slipper orchids.”

Established by Ernst Hugo Heinrich Pfitzer in 1886, the name is derived from Paphos which is a city on the island of Cyprus and the anciet Greek word Pedilon meaning slipper.

Interestingly enough, these orchids are not native to nor grow in Greece. Another orchid named Cypripedium – a relative of the Paphiopedilum – does grow in the Mediterranean region.

Paph orchids are native to India, the Pacific Islands, mainland China and the Indonesian archipelago. These spectacular plants are one of the most popular of all of the cultivated orchids and one of my favorites. They contain about 80 species, some of which are natural hybrids. Orchid fanciers consider theses beauties to be highly collectible because of their unusual forms. Some of the hybrids like Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Selenipedium and Phragmipedium all have the curious shaped pouch-like labellum, which traps insects seeking the nectar. The insects leave or collect pollen when they have to climb up past the staminode to get out of the pouch. These enchanting orchids are relatively easy to grow and are very rewarding.

Typically divided into two groups called the multi-floral, which produces up to 13 blooms on a single spike — or the unifloral, which carries only one spectacular bloom per spike, they’re easy to re-pot and the blooms last a very long time. There are a few paphs that actually are sequential blooming plants. They produce only one bloom at a time but when it wilts, another bloom grows to replace it.

How can you not be enamored of the extraordinary new species that are discovered periodically. The golden colored Golden Slipper Orchid (P. armeniacum), was discovered in 1979 and growers have bred many thousands of versions over the years. Some of their species grow on the humus layers of the forest floor and many grow well in pots. The roots are thick and fleshy and don’t have pseudobulbs, they grow very robust shoots that have several leaves. The leaves are sometimes short and rounded or long and narrow. New shoots take over when old ones die after one blooming period. Potted plants form a tight lump of roots and are quite long if untangled.

The more modern hybrids are easier to grow in artificial conditions than their parents.

Relatively easy to grow indoors, like African violets most of these orchids thrive in moderate to high humidity and low light. Just try to mimic their natural habitats. I wish I had a shady greenhouse equipped with grow lights. They do need a dedicated fluorescent light about 6 to 12” above their leaves. Since I don’t have either, I’ve learned that they do grow indoors near an east or west window. Thoroughly water them and then leave them to dry out before watering again. Feed them with the nursery/grower recommended weak fertilizer during four out of five times that you water. While not necessary, you can mist the plants in the morning on warm days but don’t get any water in the pouches. That will cause the blooms to deteriorate. Too much fertilizer will damage them. They adapt well to a variety of potting soil mixes but keep in mind that annual repotting is essential.

Do keep in mind that they need good air movement around them to be healthy, especially for the multi-floral versions. Fans can be used for air circulation and actually should be below the plants rather than directly above them. This allows fresh air to penetrate their growing medium and reach the roots. It reduces the risk of bacteria and fungal infections that can be brought on by stagnant humid air.

There are so many beautiful pots available for potting these exquisite plants. When repotting Paphiopedilum orchids, use larger clumps of roots that will produce more new growth. Place these roots into the smallest pot that has room for the root system and don’t divide them into small pieces. Don’t re-use pots or stakes unless you have sterilized them. If feasible, use new pots and wear gloves. If you report without wearing gloves, do wash your hands with a disinfectant soap first. You’ve spent a bit of money and worked hard to keep your orchids in their splendiferous state, why take a chance on transferring bacteria now. Your orchid garden is meant to give you a lot of pleasure and pride. Enjoy them.

We’ve provided quite a bit of information about the Paphiopedilum orchid plants but if you want to read some more, click on the links below:

- Paphiopedilum moquettianum

- Paphiopedilum lowii

- Learn Everything You Need to Grow Stunning Paphiopedilum Orchids

- Paphiopedilum and Other Orchids

- Paphiopedilum armeniacum Basket Culture Success Story

Below is a video displaying the sheer elegance of a white Paphiopedilum. Don’t miss it!