Paphiopedilum

"Clarity"

Paphiopedilum urbanianum. An uncommon species with beautiful foliage, and richly colored flowers. The deep burgundy on the petals fades within a week of opening to a more muted rose; this photograph is within a day of the flower opening.

"Heartfelt"

Paphiopedilum sugiyamanum. A rare Paphiopedilum species from Borneo, Paphiopedilum sugiyamanum is a warm grower found at elevations of approximately 800m. It is believed to be related to Paphiopedilum dayanum.

"Preparation"

Paphiopedilum lawrenceanum fma. hyneanum (bud). I have a fascination with orchid buds, particularly of this genus. They often take weeks to fully open, and a flower stalk might require months to grow to mature size.

"Still and Observant"

Paphiopedilum lawrenceanum fma. hyeanum. This photograph was selected and featured in the 2019 Filoli Art Exhibition in Woodside, California.

Paphiopedilum urbanianum

This species is, or was, native to a small area on Mindoro Island in the Philippines (the species is near extinction in the wild).

Paphiopedilum spicerianum

One of my favorite Paphiopedilum species, and the very first one that I received. They are generally strong, easy growers, amenable to a range of temperatures. This one has grown for years in our southeastern window.

Paphiopedilum dayanum

A rare species from Borneo. The flower (next photograph) opens rather slowly over a few days and lasts nearly three months in pristine condition.

Paphiopedilum dayanum

A truly great Paphiopedilum species from northeastern Borneo There is believed to be a “highland type” and “lowland type” of Paphiopedilum dayanum, albeit with the usual controversy on the distinctions. Based upon the descriptions that I have read, this plant is of the lowland type.

Paphiopedilum delenatii

Native to Vietnam. This species was originally brought into cultivation in 1913, and "re-discovered" in the wild in 1993.

Paphiopedilum delenatii

A unique view into the pouch of this species. I saw the unique angle as I tipped the pot when moving it between photographs.

Paphiopedilum urbanianum

While the typical bloom period for this species is March-May, these photographs are from an early January flowering. It has the honor of being the first orchid photographed with the my new camera (Nikon D850).

"Purity & Symmetry"

Paphiopedilum charlesworthii fma. album 'Nuthatch'

Paphiopedilum Leeanum

Primary hybrid of Paphiopedilum insigne and Paphiopedilum spicerianum. This is a temperature-tolerant Paphiopedilum, and a hardy grower. Some people grow it outside to near freezing temperatures; ours enjoys more moderate temperatures in our house.

Paphiopedilum acmodontum

Species native to the Philippines, Paphiopedilum acmodontum is a warm grower, extending to elevations of 1000m. Its name is derived from the unique “point” in the center of its pouch, resembling a tooth.

Paphiopedilum primulum fma. purpurescens

Paphiopedilum primulum is a sequential bloomer, with one or two flowers opening at a time. In the image below, you can see the next buds further on the flower spike, below the mature bud. This species can stay in bloom for many months, and even years.

Paphiopedilum primulum fma. purpurescens

Colorful form of Paphiopedilum primulum, with rosy pink pouch and golden dorsal, is a notable contrast to the easily recognizable flavum (yellow/white) form. Paphiopedilum primulum is endemic to Sumatra, a warm growing species found at 400-1000m of elevation. Interestingly, the “type” form of the species is the flavum form, which was discovered first.

"Double Fortune"

Paphiopedilum primulum hybrid. While originally purchased as a true species, this orchid is likely a hybrid, but nonetheless striking and beautiful.

"Luminous Presence"

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum. Native to Laos and Vietnam. There are two different vegetative forms of this species: one with large leaves, and another much smaller form with narrow leaves. This image is from the smaller form, an orchid with three growths in just a 3" round pot.