Paphiopedilum lowii
A semi-terrestrial, clump-forming, evergreen orchid with narrowly elliptic green fleshy leaves. Flowering stems that measure up to 1m in length, appear from the centre of the leaf rosettes and cary up to 5 flowers. Each flower measures apporximately 8 - 14cm. Pouch is brown, veined; petals are bright yellow-green with purple tips and dark brown spots. Upper sepal is yellow-green, brown-striped.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–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
Unresolved
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. Remove the flower stem after flowering.
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs but generally pest free
Diseases
May be susceptible to bacterial rots in the centre of leaf rosettes caused by overhead watering in combination with low temperatures but generally disease-free
Get involved
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