© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Spicer's Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum spicerianum is a terrestrial slipper orchid native to rocky habitats stretching from Assam in India through Bhutan and Myanmar to Yunnan, China. Its dusky green leaves carry fine purple speckles at the base on their undersides, giving the plant a quiet, understated character. It blooms once a year, from autumn into winter, producing a single 6-8cm flower atop a slender stem — elegant rather than flashy, which has earned it a loyal following among orchid enthusiasts. As a perennial, it can be divided and grown on for many years, rewarding patient care with a steadily maturing clump. Because it calls for a bit more experience than beginner orchids, it suits growers who are already comfortable with orchid culture. Every Paphiopedilum species is listed in CITES Appendix I, which makes it an Internationally Endangered Species under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (種の保存法). Transferring a plant within Japan, whether by sale or gift, requires a registration certificate under that Act, and this applies to plants propagated in Japan too. When buying, always confirm that the plant comes with its registration certificate.
View Spicer's Paphiopedilum encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 plants are commission-free!
Grower Wanted!
List your plants on GrowerDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
6 Transparency Commitments from GrowerDirect
Growers disclose the following information for Orchids listings, guaranteeing transparency on variety, origin, light requirements, and growing difficulty.
- Variety Disclosed
- Real Photos
- Color Specification
- Origin Disclosed
- Light Requirements
- Difficulty Level Disclosed
Browse all 142 varieties
Light Requirements
Growing Difficulty
Verified growers wanted for Orchids
Growers are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Spicer's Paphiopedilum key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Intermediate
- 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
- Watering
- Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
- 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.
About Spicer's Paphiopedilum
A terrestrial slipper orchid from rocky Assam habitats, bearing one elegant 6-8cm flower each autumn-winter. A perennial suited to intermediate growers.
7 things to know before growing Spicer's Paphiopedilum
1Placement and Light
This orchid dislikes direct sun, so keep it in bright, filtered light — behind a sheer curtain or under shading — rather than full sun. Strong direct light can scorch the leaves, so watch the exposure carefully.
2Watering Basics
This species doesn't need a winter rest, so water year-round to keep the mix from drying out completely. Water thoroughly, letting excess drain freely, and empty any water left in the saucer to avoid soggy roots.
3Choosing a Potting Mix
A mix that balances drainage with moisture retention suits this species well, and many growers use a blend of sphagnum moss and bark. Since it leans terrestrial in habit, avoid mixes that dry out too quickly.
4When to Repot
Early spring, right after flowering finishes, is generally the best time to repot. Once the roots fill the pot, trim away any damaged roots and move the plant into fresh potting mix.
5Managing Winter Temperatures
Because this species flowers from autumn into winter, it's best to avoid sudden temperature drops during that period. In colder regions, move the plant indoors to a spot with stable temperatures, such as near a window.
6Propagating by Division
As a perennial, this orchid can be divided and grown on for many years as the clump matures. Once the plant has produced enough new growths, consider dividing it at repotting time.
7Picking a Healthy Plant
Look for plants with firm, taut leaves and clearly visible purple speckling on the leaf undersides — signs of a well-grown specimen. As an Appendix I species, it must come with a registration certificate under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (種の保存法), so always confirm the certificate when acquiring one.
Frequently asked questions about Spicer's Paphiopedilum
- Q.Can beginners grow this orchid?
- A.This species is considered suited to intermediate growers, so it's best attempted once you're comfortable with general orchid care. Following the basics of watering and placement lets you build experience as you grow it.
- Q.When does it bloom?
- A.It flowers from autumn into winter, producing a single bloom at the tip of a slender stem. The flower measures roughly 6-8cm across.
- Q.How large does the plant grow?
- A.The flower stem grows to about 20-40cm in length. The plant itself stays fairly compact overall.
- Q.Can I enjoy it for many years?
- A.As a perennial, it can be kept and divided over many years of cultivation. Detailed lifespan data is limited, but many growers maintain their plants and enjoy blooms year after year.
- Q.Does the foliage have any distinctive markings?
- A.The undersides of its dusky green leaves show fine purple speckling near the base, a distinctive trait of this species. It also serves as a useful cue when selecting a plant.
Handy Growing Tools for Spicer's Paphiopedilum
Learn more about Spicer's Paphiopedilum in the encyclopedia
View Spicer's Paphiopedilum encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, size, origin and light needs — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.