Source: Wikimedia Commons
Egg-in-a-nest Orchid
AdvancedPaphiopedilum bellatulum
A Brachypetalum slipper orchid whose round white flower, spotted purple, sits just above the leaves, earning it the name egg-in-a-nest orchid. Its dark green leaves are patterned white above and purple beneath, and it grows on limestone.
About
Paphiopedilum bellatulum is a terrestrial slipper orchid in subgenus Brachypetalum. It was described in 1888 as Cypripedium bellatulum from a plant collected at Inle Lake in Myanmar and moved to Paphiopedilum in 1892; the epithet means 'beautiful'. It ranges from south-eastern Yunnan, Guizhou and southern Guangxi in China through Myanmar and Thailand to Assam, growing in shaded limestone crevices and on mossy limestone rocks at 300-1,600 m. It has four or five leaves about 14 cm long and 5 cm wide, dark green with white markings above and purple beneath. The flower stem is only 2-4.5 cm, so the round flower, 5-8 cm across and single (rarely two), sits just above the leaves. The white flower is spotted with purple, hence the name egg-in-a-nest orchid. It flowers in spring and summer, peaking in May and June. A white form (f. album) exists. Horticultural collecting and development have reduced wild populations, and it is regarded as endangered. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries that carry Paphiopedilum species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Egg-in-a-nest Orchid
The Egg-in-a-nest Orchid grows to Leaves about 14 cm; flower stem 2-4.5 cm; flowers 5-8 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern China (Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi), Myanmar, Thailand and Assam (limestone at 300-1,600 m)
Lifespan
Perennial (little data on lifespan)
Size
Leaves about 14 cm; flower stem 2-4.5 cm; flowers 5-8 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer year round
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Its habitat is shaded limestone; keep it in bright shade out of direct sun.
Watering
Water evenly all year, avoiding both drying out and waterlogging. The flower sits close to the leaves, so do not let water collect between them.
Temperature & Overwintering
Mean temperatures in its habitat are about 16-25 °C. Keep it indoors in winter and away from cold.
Soil & Repotting
Its roots grow in leaf mould and moss in limestone crevices. Pot it in a free-draining mix.
Fertilizer
Feed dilute liquid fertilizer evenly year round.
Pests & Cautions
As an Appendix I species, always check the registration certificate under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species when acquiring a plant.
Egg-in-a-nest Orchid FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Egg-in-a-nest Orchid?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Egg-in-a-nest Orchid get?
The mature size of Egg-in-a-nest Orchid is Leaves about 14 cm; flower stem 2-4.5 cm; flowers 5-8 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Egg-in-a-nest Orchid?
Egg-in-a-nest Orchid: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer year round. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Egg-in-a-nest Orchid?
The price of Egg-in-a-nest Orchid varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Paphiopedilum bellatulum (Rchb.f.) Stein
Synonyms: Cordula bellatula (Rchb.f.) Rolfe, Cypripedium bellatulum Rchb.f., Paphiopedilum bellatulum (Rchb.f.) Pfitz, Paphiopedilum bellatulum f. album (O'Brien) Braem, Paphiopedilum bellatulum f. chlorophyllum Perner, Paphiopedilum bellatulum var. album O'Brien
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
All Paphiopedilum species are listed in CITES Appendix I (checked on Species+). They are therefore designated International Rare Species under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, and transferring a plant within Japan (selling or giving it away) requires a registration certificate under the Act; plants propagated in Japan also need to be registered. When buying, always check that the plant comes with its registration certificate.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / e-Gov: Enforcement Order of the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (Appended Table 2) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: regulation of transfers
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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