Paphiopedilum Formosa Comet

Paphiopedilum Formosa Comet is a modern complex slipper orchid hybrid registered by Ching Hua in 2009. It is a genetically advanced cross built from multiple high-quality multifloral Paphiopedilum lines, ultimately combining Paphiopedilum lowii, philippinense, rothschildianum, and stonei through earlier generations. The result is a tall, dramatic plant that produces an arching to upright inflorescence carrying multiple large flowers, each with long, often slightly twisted petals and bold striping in green, brown, and reddish tones. The floral structure typically reflects strong rothschildianum influence in size and display, while lowii and philippinense contribute elegance and movement in the petals. This hybrid is prized for its striking exhibition-quality blooms and improved vigor compared to its more demanding species ancestors.

Features:

• Complex hybrid derived from rothschildianum, lowii, philippinense, and stonei ancestry
• Multifloral habit, often producing several large flowers per spike
• Long, narrow to slightly twisted petals with bold green, brown, and red striping
• Strong architectural form influenced by rothschildianum lineage
• Large plant with strap-shaped green leaves
• More vigorous and adaptable than many primary multifloral species
• Blooms typically in spring to summer depending on conditions

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, filtered light (similar to rothschildianum-type hybrids)
• Temperature: Intermediate to warm with good day/night variation
• Watering: Keep evenly moist; avoid drying out completely
• Humidity: Moderate to high (60–80%)
• Potting: Very open, well-aerated mix (bark + perlite; limestone chips often beneficial)
• Airflow: Strong airflow is essential for healthy roots and spike development
• Feeding: Regular dilute fertilizer during active growth
• Bloom support: Stake spikes early due to heavy multifloral inflorescences