Source: Wikimedia Commons
Spicer's Paphiopedilum
IntermediatePaphiopedilum spicerianum
A terrestrial slipper orchid from rocky slopes in Assam, Bhutan, Myanmar and Yunnan. Its dull green leaves are speckled purple beneath near the base, and from autumn to winter a slender stem carries one flower 6-8 cm across.
About
Paphiopedilum spicerianum is a terrestrial slipper orchid. It was described in 1879 as Cypripedium spicerianum and named after Spicer, an English officer in 19th-century India. It is centred on Assam in India and also recorded from the eastern Himalaya, Bhutan, Myanmar and Yunnan in China, growing on steep rocky slopes and in rock crevices at 300-2,000 m, usually terrestrially and sometimes on rocks. Long regarded as endemic to Assam, it may in fact be scattered from Bhutan to north-western Myanmar. It has about five oblong, dull green leaves with fine purple speckles on the underside towards the base. It flowers from autumn to winter, carrying usually one (rarely two) flowers 6-8 cm across on a slender purple stem 20-40 cm long. It belongs to section Thiopetalum. In cultivation it prefers shade and does not need a winter rest. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries that carry Paphiopedilum species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Spicer's Paphiopedilum
The Spicer's Paphiopedilum grows to Flower stem 20-40 cm; flowers 6-8 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Assam (India), eastern Himalaya, Bhutan, Myanmar and Yunnan (rocky slopes at 300-2,000 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Flower stem 20-40 cm; flowers 6-8 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It prefers shade; keep it in bright shade out of direct sun.
Watering
It needs no winter rest; water year round so the mix never dries out completely.
Temperature & Overwintering
Its range runs from lowlands to 2,000 m, so it adapts to warm to cool conditions. Keep it indoors and frost-free in winter.
Soil & Repotting
It grows in crevices on rocky slopes. 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.
Spicer's Paphiopedilum FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Spicer's Paphiopedilum?
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 Spicer's Paphiopedilum get?
The mature size of Spicer's Paphiopedilum is Flower stem 20-40 cm; flowers 6-8 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Spicer's Paphiopedilum?
Spicer's Paphiopedilum: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Spicer's Paphiopedilum?
The price of Spicer'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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Rchb.f.) Pfitzer
Synonyms: Cordula spiceriana (Rchb.f.) Rolfe, Cypripedium spicerianum Rchb.f., Cypripedium spicerianum Rchb.f. ex Mast. & T.Moore, Cypripedium spicerianum subsp. leodiense Pynaert, Paphiopedilum spicerianum f. burkhardii O.Gruss & Roeth, Paphiopedilum spicerianum f. immaculatum Braem
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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