The common name of Paphiopedilum is Lady Slipper Orchid, refering to their unusual cup-like pouch in the flower. These fascinating plants display flowers that have an incredible variety colors and last for 6 weeks or more. Paphiopedilum is a good starter plant if your growing area is small and lacks sun. If you can grow African Violets you can grow this orchid - the care is the same.

In the right conditions, many Paphs will flower twice or more each year. Some plants produce up to 6 flowers at once! Their waxy, mottled colored leaves make them an interesting plant even when they're not flowering. (Most orchids are not all that interesting when not flowering.)

In Nature, Paphiopedilums grow along the forest floor (instead of in the trees) where their roots get constant moisture. Perfect for Hydroponics! They do not have the water storing capabilities of most orchids and they don't require the extra dry periods between waterings. 

Paphiopedilums are great plants for beginners. 

Light

Paphs enjoy bright light but avoid direct sun. Their leaves burn quickly with too much sun. 

Temperature

Paphiopedilums are divided into two groups; the warm growing mottled leaf types, and the cooler growing green leaf types. Mottled leaf Paphs appreciate tepmeratures no lower than 60 degrees at night (goes welll with Phaleanopsis). Ideally, the green leaf Paphs like temperatures in the 50's at night. Both groups will tolerate temps in the 90's during the day with good air movement. We've found that in most cases you can grow both types of Paphs side by side in the same temperature range.