Easy Orchid Plant – Paphiopedilum Spicerianum

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Blooming, Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors

I define “easy” orchids as those that can be grown indoors in mild climates in homes that have the heating on during the daytime in winter.

Today this Himalayan species is rare, both in the wild and in cultivation, and is found only in specialist collections, but there are a multitude of hybrids available from it. Since its introduction in 1878, when it was named in honor of the grower Herbert Spicer of Surrey, England, it has been used extensively for breeding. The species has oblong green leaves and produces flower spikes with a single green-copper bloom that will last for up to three months during the fall and winter. The dorsal petal is hooded, which in the wild prevents water from entering the pouch. Water droplets look attractive, as in the photograph on the left, but they can cause damp spots or even bud drop, therefore when misting, be careful to spray only the leaves. This orchid requires cool conditions (a windowsill will do) and water all year round. It can be grown on to produce a large specimen with multiple flowers.