Paphiopedilum bellatulum

Paphiopedilum bellatulum is a dwarf lady's slipper orchid from Myanmar, northern Thailand, Laos, and southern China. It grows in shady, detritus-filled crevices in steep, moss-covered limestone cliffs within evergreen, open subtropical forests. It is one of the smaller Paphiopedilum species. The plant reaches a leaf span of approximately 15 to 20 cm. The leaves are patterned in light and dark green, reddish on the underside (it is a shade-loving plant!), and appear rather droopy. In nature, they simply lie flat on the substrate and are not held as upright as those of other lady's slipper orchids.

The highlight is undoubtedly the flowers. These are about 6 cm across, pure white to creamy white, with large, rounded petals and purple to dark red spots. It is also known as the "egg-in-the-nest orchid." The specific epithet "bellatulum" means something like "pretty" or "adorable."

It grows easily on a windowsill, but in a terrarium, it can also be grown on a "steep wall" (i.e., attached to the back wall), just like in nature. However, it needs a cooler, somewhat drier winter dormancy period to flower.

You will receive a flowering plant in a 9 cm pot. Some will have buds!