Essence of Orchids

Orchid Images, Growing Areas, and Orchid Culture Notes from from the collection of A'na & Paul Satara

paphiopedilum

A Triumph of Beauty: 10 exceptional alba orchids of 2020

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  This unique collection of orchid photographs emerges from a very unique year of orchid growing: 2020.  That probably says enough for most people to understand. In addition to the human-related dramas of the year, we experienced some extreme weather to add to our orchid growing … [Read more...] about A Triumph of Beauty: 10 exceptional alba orchids of 2020

Paphiopedilum argus

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Native to the Philippines, Paphiopedilum argus is an uncommonly seen slipper orchid that certainly deserves to command more attention.  With a flower spike over 24" (60cm) in height, Paphiopedilum argus towers over most of our shelf of mottled leave Paphs.  Perhaps this stately gaze is why it was … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum argus

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum

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Representing one of the many conundrum of Paphiopedilum taxonomy, this orchid is officially known as Paphiopedilum gratrixianum or Paphiopedilum gratrixianum var. christensonianum.  In 2018, however, Harold Koopowitz proposed the separation of this variety into its own species, Paphiopedilum … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum gratrixianum

Paphiopedilum Crowning Glory

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While I find some orchid names are rather curious, this Paphiopedilum most certainly deserves the title of Crowning Glory.  When the flowers opened, both my husband and I felt humbled by the majesty of the orchid.  As always with a first bloom seedling, you do not know quite what to expect.  While … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum Crowning Glory

Paphiopedilum acmodontum

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Another lovely slipper orchid from the Philippines, Paphiopedilum acmodontum is a warm grower, extending to elevations of 1000m.  Its name is derived from the unique "point" in the center of its pouch, resembling a tooth.  Paphiopedilum acmodontum is a member of the Section Barbata. This species … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum acmodontum

Paphiopedilum primulinum fma. purpurascens

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Colorful form of Paphiopedilum primulinum, with rosy pink pouch and golden dorsal, is a notable contrast to the easily recognizable flavum form.  Paphiopedilum primulinum is endemic to Sumatra, a warm growing species found at 400-1000m of elevation.  Interestingly, the "type" form of the species is … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum primulinum fma. purpurascens

Paphiopedilum sugiyamanum

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A rare Paphiopedilum species from Borneo, Paphiopedilum sugiyamanum is a warm grower found at elevations of approximately 800m.  It is believed to be related to Paphiopedilum dayanum.  Our plant is a division, and has proven to be a strong grower in warm, lower light conditions similar to other … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum sugiyamanum