Paphiopedilum bellatulum
A compact, small-sized, semi-terrestrial orchid with rigid, leathery leaves. Elliptic leaves are mottled green and grey, up to 15cm long and 5cm wide. Solitary, almost stem-less flowers are produced in spring. The flowers are up to 9cm large, almost rounded. Petals and dorsal sepal are larger compared to the size of pouch, white or pale cream, covered with dark brown-red spots.
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 | White Cream Red | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- 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
Unresolved
- Plant range
- SE Asia
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
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