Paphiopedilum fowliei var. album

Description

Paphiopedilum fowliei is a delightful, miniature orchid, with gorgeous foliage and graceful flowers.

It grows in forests, at altitudes of around 600–950 meters, often on limestone rocks, in crevices filled with decaying leaves.

This species is endemic only to Palawan island in the Philippines, and is critically endangered.

Foliage

Each leaf is generally around 3″ long and ¾” wide, resulting in a plant approximately 6″ across and 2″ to 3″ tall.

The foliage is mottled, and may have various shades of green, gray-green, and blue-gray.

Growth habit

This species produces small clumps.

Flowers

The “album” variety has flowers which are only white and green, unlike other varieties which usually have areas of red among the white and green.
The bloom is held on an erect, hairy stem.

Culture info

Substrate

Use a well-draining substrate that holds moisture but won’t get soggy.
I use 1:1:1 pine bark : coarse perlite : charcoal.

You can browse the substrates list on my Amazon page to see some of the substrates that I use for my plants and terrariums.

Water

Use pure water, such as distilled water.
Water year round, keeping the substrate moist but not wet.
Flush the substrate heavily with fresh water for 10 seconds at every watering to wash away excess salts.

Humidity

This orchid likes high humidity

Temperature

This is a cool to warm grower. It does well at average room temperatures.

Light

Medium lighting suits this species well.

By the way, I have a video that shows and discusses the lights I use for my plants, as well as a tutorial series for how to set up a grow rack.

Air

As with many orchids, some air movement is beneficial

Fertilizer

Use 20-20-20 orchid fertilizer at ¼ to ½ the strength (depending on frequency of application) listed on the packaging.

See my plant fertilization video for more info, or pick up some of my recommended fertilizers on Amazon.

Propagation

Division of mature clumps