Paphiopedilum insigne
splendid paphiopedilum
A semi-terrestrial, clump-forming, evergreen orchid with narrow, lanceolate, pale-green leaves, 20 -30cm long. Solitary flowers, 7-10cm across, appear from the centre of the leaf rosette and are carried on 15-30cm long erect stems. The pouch (or slipper) is a modification of lip that traps insects, and consequently provides with an ''escape route'' that results in pollen collection and flower pollination. The lateral sepals are largely fused, mostly hidden behind the pouch. Petals are yellow-bronze, the upper sepal is yellow with red-brow spots and white upper margin.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Bronze | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Bronze | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow Bronze | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NE India, E Nepal
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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.
Propagation
Propagation 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.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required.
Pests
Generally pest-free. May be susceptible to mealybugs.
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Overhead watering in combination with low temperatures may cause bacterial rots in the centre of leaf rosettes.
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.