Paphiopedilum spicerianum

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<em>Paphiopedilum</em> <em>spicerianum</em> Valeria Valkova
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants Herbaceous Perennial

A semi-terrestrial, clump-forming orchid species with green, narrow, oval-shaped leaves, 15-30 cm long and 3.5-6 cm wide. Solitary flowers up to 7cm across bloom on an upright, 20-30 cm long flowering stem that appears from the centre of the leaf rosette. The pouch (or slipper) is a modification of the lip that traps insects and consequently provides an ''escape route'' that results in pollen collection and flower pollination. The lateral sepals are pale green and fused, mostly hidden behind the pouch. Petals are short, pale green with a wavy edge. The upper sepal is white with a dark purple stripe in the centre. In the centre of each flower is a prominent white and purple flower column.

Position

Partial shade

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
India (Assam), S China, East Himalaya, Myanmar

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

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.