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Species library › Paphiopedilum › Paphiopedilum spicerianum
Orchids Little published: much of this is inferred from related species

Paphiopedilum spicerianum

A green-leaved slipper orchid from north-east India, historically said to be endemic to Assam but possibly widespread though rare between Bhutan and north-west Myanmar. It is listed as Endangered and is a parent of many classic Victorian hybrids. In cultivation it is a cool-to-intermediate, shade-loving plant that wants even moisture and a cooler, somewhat drier winter.

Paphiopedilum spicerianum
Photo: Bob Walker (uploaded by Paphrag), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At home, aim for
Day IntermediateTargets in Plantistry
Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry
Humidity Ordinary room humidityBand in Plantistry
Light ShadeDLI and PPFD in Plantistry
Expects a seasonal restGrows on rock (lithophyte)

Where it grows wild

Wild habitat detail was not found in the sources available. Related north-east Indian green-leaved paphiopedilums such as P. insigne grow in humus in crevices and among grasses and shrubs on steep limestone slopes and cliffs above streams and rivers; P. spicerianum is reported by growers to occupy similar shaded, rocky, streamside sites.

No elevation is given in the sources available; low to middle hill elevations are assumed.

Assam (India)BhutanMyanmar

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates
✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it
✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light
✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it
✓ Substrate and airflow
✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app. Photo from Wikimedia Commons, used under its CC BY 3.0 licence, unmodified.