Orchid Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular orchid species with care guides, traits, and flowering tips.
Showing 8 of 140 species
© Dalton Holland Baptista / CC BY-SA 3.0Callous Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum callosum
A section Barbata slipper orchid from Indochina to the northern Malay Peninsula. It has leaves mottled in light and dark green and, from spring to early summer, bears one flower 8-11 cm across on a hairy purple stem.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Henry's Paphiopedilum
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.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Paphiopedilum
A terrestrial orchid with distinctive pouch-shaped lip, valued for muted colors and long-lasting blooms.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Paphiopedilum Delenatii
Paphiopedilum delenatii
A Vietnamese Paphiopedilum with cute pink flowers and beautiful mottled leaves.
© Dalton Holland Baptista / CC BY-SA 3.0Philippine Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum philippinense
A large slipper orchid from limestone in the Philippines and northern Borneo. It spreads up to nine thick, glossy leaves and carries three to five flowers on a stem up to 60 cm tall, each spanning up to about 22 cm.
© Dalton Holland Baptista / CC BY-SA 3.0Primrose-yellow Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum primulinum
A small terrestrial slipper orchid endemic to northern Sumatra. From clear green leaves rises a stem that opens sweetly scented, pale yellow flowers one after another from the bottom up, so it stays in bloom for a long time.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Spicer's Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum 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.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum sukhakulii
A slipper orchid found only in a small mountain area of north-eastern Thailand. Its green petals, dotted with dark spots, spread out horizontally, making a single flower up to 14 cm across. The leaves are mottled in light and dark green.
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Orchid FAQ
- How much do orchids cost?
- Mini Phalaenopsis cost 1,000-5,000 yen, large Phalaenopsis 5,000-30,000 yen, Cattleya 3,000-20,000 yen, and rare species orchids tens of thousands of yen depending on type and size.
- Can beginners grow orchids?
- Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium are easy to manage indoors and recommended for beginners. Place in bright indirect light and water when the moss dries out for long-lasting blooms.
- How long do orchids live?
- With proper care, orchids can be grown for decades. Phalaenopsis bloom annually and can be propagated by division. Many enthusiasts have plants over 10 years old.
- What should I check when buying orchids?
- Check that roots are green and healthy, leaves are firm, and there are no disease spots. Choosing a blooming plant helps you see what to expect and is easier for beginners.
- How do I get orchids to rebloom?
- Cut the flower spike above a node after blooming and keep in bright shade. A day-night temperature difference in autumn encourages flower spike formation. Consistent fertilizing and watering are key.