Paphiopedilum lowii

Paphiopedilum lowii is a striking multifloral slipper orchid species native to Southeast Asia, including regions such as Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaysia. It is best known for its tall, arching inflorescence that carries several sequentially opening flowers, each displaying long, narrow, often twisted petals with green, brown, and purple striping. The pouch is typically elongated and elegant, giving the flower a graceful, almost spider-like appearance. The plant itself is medium-sized with plain green, strap-like leaves and grows terrestrially or lithophytically in humid forest environments, often on limestone substrates. This species belongs to the Pardalopetalum group and is highly valued in breeding for its multiflowering habit and dramatic floral form.

Features:

• Multifloral species producing 2–7 sequential flowers per spike
• Long, arching to pendulous inflorescence (up to ~60–100 cm)
• Petals elongated, narrow, and often twisted with green, brown, and purple tones
• Distinctive elegant pouch, less rounded than many Paphiopedilums
• Medium-sized plant with plain green leaves
• Blooms typically in spring to summer
• Native to limestone and forest habitats at 200–1700 m elevation

Care Tips:

• Light: Moderate to bright filtered light (more light than mottled-leaf types)
• Temperature: Intermediate to warm, with slight cooling at night
• Watering: Keep evenly moist; allow slight drying between watering
• Humidity: Moderate to high (60–80% ideal)
• Potting: Open, well-draining mix (bark + perlite; can add limestone chips)
• Airflow: Strong airflow is important for multifloral types
• Feeding: Regular, dilute fertilizer during active growth
• Seasonal cue: Slightly drier, cooler period in winter can help initiate spikes