Paphiopedilums also known as ‘Slipper Orchids‘ are members of the sub-family Cypripedioidae, which comprises four main genera:
- Cypripedium (terrestrial orchids from Asia, Japan, Europe and North America),
- Selenipedium (terrestrial orchids from Central and South America),
- Phragmipedium (from South America) and;
- Paphiopedilum (throughout Asia)
All of these genera have the characteristic ‘pouch’ or ‘ladies slipper’ and a column structure that differs from other orchids. Generally, only two of the above genera are commonly cultivated in Victoria. They are the Phragmipedium, which we see fairly frequently, and of course the Paphiopedilum. The first paphiopedilum (or cypripedium, as they were then known) introduced into English glasshouses (in 1819) was Paphiopedilum venustum. Many new species were introduced to cultivation in the famous plant-hunting times later in the 1800s.
Learn more about these orchids and their culture on our Paphiopedilum Orchid Care page.
See more images in our Paphiopedilum photo gallery.
- For further information about orchid care at Southern Suburbs Orchid Society (SSOS) or membership enquiries, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
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