Named after his wife Shirley, Paph. Shirley Amundson was created (and registered) by Neal Amundson in 1986. Neal was a chemical engineer and an applied mathematician. He was the Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota for over 25 years. Later, he was the Cullen Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Houston. Amundson was a transformational figure in chemical engineering, considered by many as the “father of modern chemical engineering.” Neal’s hobbies included raising and hybridizing orchids, and at one time he held one of the largest private collections in the country.
This is one of the nicest Paph. primary hybrids, having the best traits of both species parents and exhibits great vigor. The attractive, compact, variegated foliage is beautifully mottled with a light white/green background overlaid with darker blue-green markings. Its ease of growing and reliable blooming comes from Paph. acmodontum and the exotic flower color from Paph. hookerae. The 12 – 18 inch inflorescence bears one single, long lasting, 2.5 – 3 inch, beautiful, well-shaped flower. Its dorsal is green with a lighter edge; wide spoon-shaped petals are deep magenta with a lighter green center and have short dark hairs. The pouch is a green color towards the bottom of the pouch progressing to a rose/mahogany color at the top.
Paphs detest soggy growing medium; pot in well-draining media. Grow in medium light and intermediate to warm temperature with high humidity and good air circulation. As with all Paphs, its roots are sensitive to salt buildup from excess fertilizer which causes leaf tips to turn brown. It is a good practice to flush the medium with fresh, clean water once a month and repot Paphs in fresh media every year. Can be grown on a windsowsill or under lights. Highly recommended for beginners and Paph collectors. A welcome addition to any collection.
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