Paphiopedilum Lady Rothschild

Paphiopedilum Lady Rothschild is a classic multifloral slipper orchid hybrid registered in 1994 by F. Booth, created by crossing Paphiopedilum rothschildianum with Paphiopedilum Lady Isabel. Because Lady Isabel itself is a hybrid of rothschildianum and stonei, this grex is strongly dominated by rothschildianum genetics, resulting in large, bold flowers with wide horizontal petal spread and dramatic striping. The plant produces tall, upright inflorescences carrying several flowers, each with long, slightly twisted petals in green, yellow, brown, and reddish tones, and a broad, heavily striped dorsal sepal. Compared to Lady Isabel, it appears more robust and architectural, with stronger stance and larger floral proportions, making it a key stepping stone in modern multifloral breeding.

Features:

• Hybrid: rothschildianum × Lady Isabel
• Genetic composition: approx. 75% rothschildianum, 25% stonei
• Multifloral, typically 2–5 large flowers per spike
• Very wide, horizontal petals with bold striping (rothschildianum dominance)
• Broad dorsal sepal with strong contrasting lines
• Tall, upright inflorescence with powerful presentation
• Large plant with strap-like green leaves
• Slow-growing; may take many years to reach blooming size

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, filtered light (closer to rothschildianum requirements)
• Temperature: Intermediate to warm with cooler nights for best growth
• Watering: Keep evenly moist; never allow to fully dry
• Humidity: 60–80% preferred
• Potting: Open, airy mix (bark + perlite; limestone chips beneficial)
• Airflow: Strong airflow is essential for root and spike health
• Feeding: Regular, dilute fertilizer during active growth
• Patience: Long maturation time, but improves flower count and size with age