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It is nearly 200 years since the first ‘slipper’ orchids or paphiopedilums were discovered and brought to England. This species, Paphiopedilum. venustum is still in common cultivation today. The first hybrid Paphiopedilum orchid was created in the 1850s and the hybridisers have never looked back. As with many genera, the hybrids are easier to cultivate than the species.
Amongst species paphiopedilums colours range from browns and greens to pinks and whites or to intensely dark reds and purples. The tall dorsal standing behind the pouch is often attractively striped or spotted. Most species have their own distinctive shape and range in size up to 15 cm across.
The Paphiopedilum hybrids are now extremely complex but are often hardy and rapid growers. Some have achieved an almost perfect circle of flower segments presenting the coloured pouch against a patterned background and standing well above the leaves.
Almost any desired colour combination has been made. The newer varicoloured hybrids are particularly striking. Many hybridists are making some of the primary hybrids again but now with award winning parents to further improve the quality of plants available. Hybridisation has widely extended the flowering season so that something will be in bloom for up to eight months a year.
In addition to the flowers, the foliage of a Paphiopedilum orchid is most attractive. Some plants have glossy pale to dark green leaves while others have tessellated and mottled light and dark green, sometimes with purple shading on the underside. The leaves form a fan with new growths increasing in size over the previous growth.
Paphiopedilum orchids in general prefer less light and more moisture than many other orchids. Little or no direct sun is required though good ventilation is essential. The potting mix needs to drain well but hold some moisture. Several specialist mixes have been devised and are available through societies. The Sydney temperate conditions suit the majority of Paphiopedilum orchids though a few need some warmth in our winter.
As in many parts of the world, the native habitat of many species is under severe threat or has already been destroyed leaving only the cultivated plants as surviving examples of their species.
The Eastern Suburbs Orchid Society has an orchid show on the third Monday of every month commencing at 7.00 pm at the Kensington Park Community Centre in Hall 1, 1 Day Ln, Kensington NSW 2033 from February to December. Visitors are always welcome.