Paphiopedilum gratrixianum

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum is a rare slipper orchid species native to Laos and Vietnam, prized for its striking caramel-brown flowers with a white, pink-blushed dorsal sepal. It thrives in cool, humid highland forests and is considered endangered in the wild.

🌿 Key Botanical Features
Flower: Single blooms, 7–12 cm wide, with glossy, brown-veined petals and a pouch; dorsal sepal white with purple spotting.
Leaves: Solid green, linear to lanceolate, up to 30 cm long; sometimes purple-spotted beneath.
Blooming season: Autumn to early winter, occasionally extending into spring depending on conditions.
Habitat: Highland cloud forests, shady cliffs, and steep slopes at 900–1220 m elevation in Laos and Vietnam.
Conservation Status
– Wild populations are declining due to overcollection and habitat loss.
– It is listed as endangered and requires priority conservation in regions such as Yunnan, China.
– Many cultivated plants today come from line-breeding programs that enhance colour and vigour.
🌱 Cultivation Notes
– Light: Prefers partial shade, similar to mottled-leaf Paphiopedilum species.
– Temperature: Naturally adapted to cooler highland conditions (down to ~5–10°C at night)
– Humidity: High humidity with good air circulation is essential.
– Watering: Keep evenly moist but not soggy; avoid waterlogging the roots.
– Rest period: A slightly cooler, drier rest in winter can help initiate spikes.
🔎 Taxonomic Notes
– First described in 1905, named after Mr. S. Gratrix of Manchester.
– Sometimes confused with or split into varieties such as Paphiopedilum christensonianum.
– Synonyms include Paphiopedilum affine and Paphiopedilum villosum var. gratixianum.