Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Spicers Paphiopedilum)

Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Spicer's Paphiopedilum) is an evergreen, tender orchid boasting striking green and brown flowers, 2-3 across (5-7 cm), noted for their reflexed white dorsal marked with a purple vertical strip up its center. This unique white dorsal is so special that Paphiopedilum spicerianum has been used frequently as a parent in breeding, with the hope of sharing this stunning feature with its progeny. Blooming from fall through winter, the flowers are borne usually singly (rarely 2) on upright purple stems. Spicer's Paphiopedilum usually flowers twice per year once established. The attractive foliage of clear, dull green leaves, up to 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm), is speckled purple on the outer surface towards the base. Native to the Assam region of India, the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Yunnan China, Paphiopedilum spicerianum grows in moist and shaded places on limestone mountain cliffs in soil or rocks at elevations of 980-6500 ft. (300-2000 m). Paphiopedilum spicerianum is one of the easiest slipper orchid species to grow.

• Grows up to 8-16 in. tall (20-40 cm).
• Grows in an open medium in a shaded position in summer protected from direct sunlight but move to a bright, unshaded position in winter. An east or west window, or near a shaded south window is best.
• Needs a night temperature of 61-68°F (16-20°C) and a daytime temperature of 64-77°F (18-25°C).
• Maintain high humidity (50-70%) for most of the year by standing the container in a tray of damp pebbles – do not mist.
• Water frequently throughout the year. The substrate between waterings should dry well, but not dry completely. Paphiopedilum spicerianum does not need a rest period
• Feed once every two weeks in the spring and summer, once every 4 weeks in the fall and winter.
• When the blooms are finished, cut the spike down to the level of the leaves. Continue watering and fertilizing and within a year a new growth will spike to begin the blooming cycle again.
• When the plant has finished blooming is a good time to repot your orchid. Repot every year. Paphiopedilum orchids like to be tight in their pots. An average plant should have a 4-6 in. pot (10-15 cm).
• Large plants can be divided by pulling or cutting the fans of the leaves apart, into clumps of three to five growths.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to the Assam region of India, the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Yunnan China.

Tips for reblooming

• Check regularly if the plant is secure in its pot and the root system is sound. If not, repot.
• Try applying a blooming fertilizer in the early spring months.
• Move the orchid to a cooler, brighter location for a week, then return it to its original location.