A small to medium-sized, semi-terrestrial, evergreen orchid with rigid, leathery leaves. Narrowly-elliptic leaves are mottled grey and green, 20cm long and 4cm wide. Short flowering-stems emerge from the centre of leaf rosettes and carry one to three flowers, approximately 12cm across. Petals and sepals are white or pale yellow, with a dark brown mosaic pattern
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
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 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
No pruning required
Generally pest-free. May be susceptible to mealybugs
Generally disease-free. Overhead watering in combination with low temperatures may cause bacterial rots in the centre of leaf rosettes