Orchid of the day: Paphiopedilum dianthum

Paphiopedilum dianthum

Paphiopedilum dianthum can be found in Vietnam, China, and Central Laos. Aside from being known as Slipper Orchids, Paph. dianthum is also called “The Double Flowered Paphiopedilum” as it often has two flowers open concurrently. Mature plants can have up to 5 flowers on a single spike, and in our case, we had three flowers on a single spike. We have had this orchid since 2002, which makes it eighteen years old!

(A) In addition to the three flowers on the first spike, our orchid  produced a second flower spike with a single flower. 

(B) Anthony posed politely next to our Paph. dianthum one sunny afternoon in the Fall.

(C) All four flowers were in full bloom in this photo.

(D) A closer look of a single flower.

(D) I love the shiny 'helmet' shaped lip of this slipper orchid.

(E) With its clear white sepal, its long and twisted lateral petals with hairy warts, the flower's shape is very unique and beautiful.

This is the first time, our Paph. dianthum produced two flower spikes and a total of four flowers. I'll keep any eye on this and hopefully as this orchid continues to grow, we will get more flowers next time.

Khairul Bariah