Paphiopedilum concolor aka One Colored Paphiopedilum

Taxonomy

Paphiopedilum concolor, also known as Cypripedium concolor, is a small terrestrial orchid that was first described in 1865. It is native to southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, particularly in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. This orchid is typically found in lowlands, although it has been discovered at higher elevations as well. It has dark green and grey-green mottled leaves that can reach up to 150 by 40 mm in size. During the spring and autumn seasons, Paphiopedilum concolor produces flowers on a 100 mm tall scape covered in reddish hairs. These flowers, which are around 70 mm in diameter, come in cream to peach colors with dark red speckles. The plant prefers a warm habitat and moist soil. This orchid is a semi-terrestrial, clump-forming, evergreen plant that features oval or elliptic leaves. The leaves are firm, dark green, and tesselated with pale green, while the underside is spotted with purple. Each leaf measures 10-15 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width. The flowers, which are approximately 7 cm across, are carried on upright stems that can be up to 10 cm long. These stems emerge from leaf rosettes during the spring and summer seasons. Usually, each stem carries one flower, although occasionally, it may have two to three. The petals and sepals of the flowers are rounded, pale yellow, and heavily spotted with maroon or purple. Despite its delicate appearance, Paphiopedilum concolor is relatively easy to grow. It requires a dormant period to flower, but once it blooms, it is a captivating sight. The orchid is native to Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and China, where it thrives in evergreen forests and on steep cliffs. Its blooming season typically spans from autumn to spring, and the flowers can last for about 6-8 weeks.

Common names

One Colored Paphiopedilum

How to care for One Colored Paphiopedilum

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for One Colored Paphiopedilum, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

One Colored Paphiopedilum requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your One Colored Paphiopedilum is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for One Colored Paphiopedilum plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia