{"product_id":"paphiopedilum-spp-mauve-slipper-orchid","title":"Paphiopedilum spp. – Mauve Slipper Orchid","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn elegant and long-flowering slipper orchid, \u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum\u003c\/i\u003e spp. are prized for their distinctive pouch-shaped flowers and architectural presence. This plant produces \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003emauve-toned blooms with darker markings\u003c\/span\u003e, often with subtle texture or hairiness along the petal edges, giving it a richly detailed, characterful appearance. Unlike many orchids, Paphiopedilums are terrestrial rather than epiphytic, making them more forgiving and well suited to indoor growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum\u003c\/i\u003e spp. (slipper orchids; “spp.” indicates multiple possible species or hybrids within the genus)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum\u003c\/i\u003e is a genus within the Orchidaceae family comprising both true species and a wide range of natural and cultivated hybrids. Many plants in cultivation are seed-grown and may show mixed characteristics from different species or hybrid groups. As a result, further identification beyond \u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum\u003c\/i\u003e spp. is often not reliable without breeder or parentage information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSlipper Orchid, Lady’s Slipper Orchid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSpecies and hybrids originate from Southeast Asia and surrounding regions, where Paphiopedilums grow terrestrially on forest floors in warm, humid conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light or light shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Foliage should be a healthy mid-green; very dark leaves may indicate insufficient light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the compost evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of compost to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering a little in winter, but never allow the plant to dry out completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEnjoys moderate to high humidity. Performs well in kitchens, bathrooms, or near a pebble tray. Avoid misting directly into the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a specialist Paphiopedilum or fine orchid bark mix that retains some moisture while still draining freely. Repot every 1–2 years, ideally after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 3–4 waters during the growing season with a diluted orchid fertiliser. Reduce feeding significantly in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers intermediate conditions. Ideal temperature range is 15–24°C. Avoid temperatures below 12°C and protect from cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNon-toxic. Considered safe for pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eConsistency is key – steady light, watering, and temperature will give the best flowering results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEach growth typically flowers once, but new shoots will develop at the base and produce future blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe pouch-shaped flower temporarily traps pollinating insects, guiding them past the pollen before releasing them – a clever natural adaptation unique to slipper orchids.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"9cm","offer_id":57710975287677,"sku":"4636342758671","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/paphiopedilum-spp-mauve-slipper-orchid-sprouts-of-bristol-sprouts-of-bristol-5400494.jpg?v=1769023784","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/paphiopedilum-spp-mauve-slipper-orchid","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}