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Henry's Paphiopedilum (Paphiopedilum henryanum)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Henry's Paphiopedilum

Intermediate

Paphiopedilum henryanum

A small slipper orchid from limestone cliffs in Guangxi and Yunnan, China, and northern Vietnam. It has narrow, glossy dark green leaves and in autumn and winter bears a single flower 4-6 cm across on a stem 12-15 cm tall.

Growing Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
15〜30℃
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Small; flower stem 12-15 cm, flowers 4-6 cm across
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season

About

Paphiopedilum henryanum is a small slipper orchid named after the orchid collector Henry Azadehdel. It grows in south-western Guangxi and south-eastern Yunnan in China and adjacent northern Vietnam, as a lithophyte on steep, heavily eroded limestone cliffs in semi-deciduous broadleaf and mixed forests at 610-1,400 m. It has three to six lance-shaped to strap-shaped leaves, glossy dark green above and paler beneath. It flowers in autumn and winter, carrying one flower 4-6 cm across on an upright stem 12-15 cm tall. In cultivation give bright partial shade and warm to intermediate temperatures. A white form (f. album) is also known. It is considered rare in the wild. Plants later described as P. chaoi, P. dollii and P. erythroanthum are now treated as synonyms of this species. Its forests are open and mossy, and it is said to suit a range from warm to cool temperatures. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries that carry Paphiopedilum species.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Henry's Paphiopedilum

The Henry's Paphiopedilum grows to Small; flower stem 12-15 cm, flowers 4-6 cm across.

Basic Info

Origin

SW Guangxi and SE Yunnan (China) and northern Vietnam (limestone cliffs at 610-1,400 m)

Lifespan

Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)

Size

Small; flower stem 12-15 cm, flowers 4-6 cm across

Temperature

15〜30℃

Humidity

50〜70%

Watering & Fertilizer

Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season

Growing Tips

Light & Placement

Grow in bright partial shade; strong direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Watering

Water as the mix begins to dry, avoiding both waterlogging and hard drying.

Temperature & Overwintering

It is an intermediate to warm grower; keep it indoors somewhere warm in winter.

Soil & Repotting

In the wild it grows on limestone cliffs. Pot it in a free-draining mix and repot or divide after flowering.

Fertilizer

Feed dilute liquid fertilizer regularly in the growing season.

Pests & Cautions

As an Appendix I species, always check the registration certificate under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species when acquiring a plant.

OrchidPaphiopedilumSpeciesCompactChina

Henry's Paphiopedilum FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Henry's Paphiopedilum?
A

Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.

QHow large does Henry's Paphiopedilum get?
A

The mature size of Henry's Paphiopedilum is Small; flower stem 12-15 cm, flowers 4-6 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Henry's Paphiopedilum?
A

Henry's Paphiopedilum: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Henry's Paphiopedilum?
A

The price of Henry's Paphiopedilum 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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Paphiopedilum henryanum Braem

Synonyms: Paphiopedilum chaoi H.S.Hua, Paphiopedilum dollii Lückel, Paphiopedilum henryanum f. album O.Gruss

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix I

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.

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