Tropical ladyslipper orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum are not a common sight on orchid collections in Puerto Rico. Large flowered Paph. rothschildianum hybrids are even rarer. I brought this Paph. St. Swithin as a tiny seedling, frankly I have forgotten the date, probably seven or eight years ago. This plant grew slowly but surely and I sometimes wondered if it would ever bloom. Last year it produced its first flowers and in 2014 it has bloomed again. The flowers are delightful in their own odd way. They are far larger than those of my phillipinensis plants. Perhaps the best thing I like about this orchid, aside from the flowers is that it is very easy to cultivate under my conditions, it thrives with the same care I would give any house plant. The plant is producing new growths and I am looking forward to the time when it will produce two, or maybe, one dare hope, three inflorescences at the same time.
1 comment:
Hi Ricardo,
I do not know if you have gotten my past messages...I live in Levittown but hike out into the island campo a lot. I collect rare plants and I would like to come visit you sometime, or you can come visit me? Next week, a small group of UPR folks are heading out on the Rio Icacos to look for plants. You are welcome to join us..I have a Facebook page called Tropical Garden of Puerto Rico and my email address is...tropicalgardener@gmail.com
or you can call me at
787-235-0111
Frank :)
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