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Orchid ID: Paphiopedilum Exul

Hello my dear readers,

I would like to present you a Orchid ID for the Paphiopedilum exul, which I have recently received as a gift from my friends at OrchidGarden Nursery in Poland.

First things first, this is a species orchid, which is endemic to the regions of Thailand, and warm to hot regions growing on rocks.



This orchid is characteristic by it's very thick and fleshy leaves, which remind of brassavola orchids. The size of the plant is considered small to compact and very decorative, furthermore the small size of the plant is also reflected in the size of the flowers which aren't bigger than 4 cm. The first flower I have seen on this paphiopedilum when I received it was in total the size of my thumb! And it was absurdly cute!



As mentioned before these slipper orchids go into the mini / compact range and look very nice both in bloom and in leaf growth stage. The flowers will show on mature fans of new growth and last for a very long time (up to 3 months each). However because they are tropical plants they would prefer warmer temperatures and adequate (not super high) but good humidity.

Many people grow them in very hot greenhouses with almost full sun, or semi shade however try to avoid burning the plant and overheating it. However due to the grow pattern on rocky environment it's used to constant warmth, where heated up stones give up warmth during the night warming up the roots.



Growing them on a north facing window is perfectly fine as long as you don't let the plant sit dry and if you see any signs of leaf burn, immediately move it to a location with a more diffused light. In the end these are not Cattleyas!

Watering once a week is the best option, leaving it to soak a bit as paphiopedilum orchids like to have their roots moist, however in warmer time of the hear make sure to water them probably twice a year especially when growing in high humidity!



I know I'm being very repetitive with this but there is nothing wrong in fertilizing your orchids every week when they are in bloom! Becayse they need the nutriens to grow and keep their flowers!



If you want this orchid, you can find it either on German nurseries like Orchideen-Wichman, Orchideen Schwerter or Polish OrchidGarden.


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Some pictures presented in this article may not belong to me and are a property of their respectable owners.



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