Paphiopedilum philippinense

Also known as: The Philippines Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum roebelenii f. alboflavum Paphiopedilum philippinense var. compactum Paphiopedilum philippinense h.f. alba Paphiopedilum philippinense h.f. aureum Paphiopedilum philippinense var. roebbelenii Paphiopedilum philippinense f. aureoviride Paphiopedilum philippinense h.v. roebelinii h.f. album Paphiopedilum roebelinii h.f. album Cypripedium roebeleni Paphiopedilum philippinense h.v. compactum h.f. aureoviride Cypripedium laevigatum Paphiopedilum philippinense f. album Selenipedium laevigatum Cypripedium roebelenii Paphiopedilum philippinense h.v. laevigatum Paphiopedilum philipppinense h.v. roebelinii Paphiopedilum roebelenii Paphiopedilum philippinense var. philippinense Paphiopedilum philippinense f. alboflavum Paphiopedilum philippinense h.f. palawense Cypripedium roebbelenii Cypripedium philippinense var. roebbelenii Paphiopedilum laevigatum Paphiopedilum roebelinii Paphiopedilum philippinense h.v. roebelinii Paphiopedilum philippinense var. roebelenii Cypripedium cannartianum Paphiopedilum roebbelenii Cordula philippinensis in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

General Information

The Philippines Paphiopedilum is an intermediate to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous leathery arching leaves that grow to 2-50cm long. The plant forms clusters over time

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 376mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 75% to 85%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 21C to 30C, highest in May (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (21C to 27C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer and Winter.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually.