Paphiopedilum insigne aka Splendid Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum insigne is an evergreen orchid in the Orchidaceae family. It grows as a perennial and forms clumps. Kew records its native range from Assam's Meghalaya to northwestern Yunnan and Myanmar. It comes from a subtropical climate. Gardeners grow this semi-terrestrial orchid indoors, in conservatories, or in greenhouses. Its leaves and flowers provide interest in a pot.

Plants reach about 1.6 feet (0.5 m) tall and wide. The RHS gives two to five years to reach full size. The pale green leaves are narrow and lanceolate. They grow 0.7–1 foot (0.2–0.3 m) long and form rosettes. Upright flower stems rise from the centre of each flowering rosette. These stems measure about 0.5–1 foot (0.15–0.3 m) long. Each carries a single flower about 0.23–0.33 feet (0.07–0.1 m) across.

The flower has a pouch formed from its modified lip. This traps insects, then gives them a route out. As insects leave, they collect pollen and help pollinate flowers. The petals have yellow and bronze tones. The upper sepal is yellow, with reddish brown spots. A white edge marks its upper margin. The side sepals join for most of their length. The pouch hides much of this joined structure.

Grow it in a bark-based mix made for terrestrial orchids. Add sphagnum moss and perlite, or crushed limestone chips. The RHS lists neutral pH and good drainage. Give it bright, filtered light and higher humidity in summer. Summer temperatures of 20–25°C suit the stated growing regime. In winter, the RHS advises 18–22°C. Its H1A rating calls for year-round growing under glass in Britain. Water as the mix nears dryness, without leaving it dry for long. The plant lacks pseudobulbs that could hold water. Do not leave the pot standing in water. Avoid keeping the mix wet for long periods. Feed with every third watering.

This orchid needs no pruning and has few routine pest problems. Mealybugs may still attack it. Disease is also uncommon under suitable conditions. Cold conditions combined with overhead watering can cause bacterial rot. This can damage the centre of a leaf rosette. Avoid heavy misting and watering over the leaves. Divide mature plants when they outgrow their pots. Keep at least three healthy, rooted rosettes in each division. These help support new growth after the move. Seed propagation requires controlled laboratory conditions.