I have a small collection of pictures of Paphiopedilums, often called the Venus slipper. A genus of the lady slipper orchid subfamily Cypripedioideae of the flowering plant family Orchidaceae. The species and their hybrids are extensively cultivated, and are known as either paphiopedilums, or by the abbreviation paphs in horticulture.

The pictures were all shot at the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Dr Doughlittle | Flowers | Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum species naturally occur among humus layers as terrestrials on the forest floor, while a few are true epiphytes and some are lithophytes. These sympodial orchids lack pseudobulbs. Instead, they grow robust shoots, each with several leaves; some are hemicryptophytes. The leaves can be short and rounded or long and narrow, and typically have a mottled pattern. When older shoots die, newer ones take over. Each new shoot only blooms once when it is fully grown, producing a raceme between the fleshy, succulent leaves. The roots are thick and fleshy. Potted plants form a tight lump of roots that, when untangled, can be up to 1 m long. -Wikipedia.

Continuing the Paphiopedilums. Another variety, picture taken at the National Orchid gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Continuing the Paphiopedilums. Another variety, picture taken at the National Orchid gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Picture taken at the Singapore Botanical Gardens. A collection of these Paphiopedilum plants on show, hybrids not often seen together! Paphiopedilum, often called the Venus slipper, is a genus of the Lady slipper orchid subfamily Cypripedioideae of the flowering plant family Orchidaceae.

Continuing the Paphiopedilums. Another variety, picture taken at the National Orchid gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Another variety of Paphiopedilum, at the National Orchid Gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens, now a World Heritage site.

Paphiopedilum Maudiae Green is a beautiful, old hybrid that stood the test of time for more than 100 years, where others have passed and gone out of fashion, this cross of P. callosum and P. lawrenceanum is still one of the most desired orchids ever. When you look at it you can easily understand why, the contrast between the fresh green and pure white are very elegant and wild together. The flowers can last up to two months afterwards we still have the beautiful mottled foliage which is adorable and lovely on it’s own.

A remake of this classic Paph. hybrid, this time using Paph. rothschildianum from the famed Eric Young Foundation ! Saint Swithin is one of the best of all multifloral Paph hybrids, heavily used in hybridizing. Unlike many Paph. rothschildianum hybrids, this one grows vigorously and blooms freely. Typically a summer bloomer, it can carry 4-5 flowers with a natural spread of over 19cm !

This picture was taken in 2015. Another variety of Paphiopedium, at the National Orchid Gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens, now a World Heritage site.

Paphiopedium Koopowitz. This is a remake of one of the best parvi/multifloral hybrids, using selected parents. The flower has excellent shape and size, and had nice dark contrasting veins.

For friends who have been following these Paphs postings, my pictures were taken over a period of months during visits to the SBG National Orchid Centre.