Paphiopedilum (abbreviated Paph.) rothschildianum is an endangered species endemic to Mount Kinabalu in northeastern Borneo. Habitat destruction and illegal collecting has threatened the survival of this spectacular species in the wild. In their natural habitat, the plants may be either terrestrial or lithophytic, often growing in large clumps. Leaves are linear, pale green in color, leathery in texture. Multi-floral inflorescences can carry up to 4 to 6 flowers. Flowers are typically large with a natural spread of 30 cm across and last up to 2 months.
Paph. rothschildianum is called the “King of Paphs.” Its impressive, large, stately flowers always draw attention at orchid shows. They can be slow to bloom as seedlings, but once they reach maturity they flower reliably every year. As the plants get larger the flowers become even more impressive. This cross is representative of cutting edge breeding from Taiwan using two phenomenal parents. The pod parent, Paph. rothschildianum 'Black Edition', is a choice selection from the prominent Tokyo Orchid Nursery of Japan with a really dark red pouch for type. The pollen parent, Paph. rothschildianum 'Shih Yueh Big' GM/TOGA, received a Gold Medal (GM) from the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (TOGA), which is equivalent to a First Class Certificate (FCC) awarded by the American Orchid Society (AOS). The clone 'Shih Yueh Big' GM/TOGA originates from the line breeding of two exceptional clones of Paph. rothschildianum 'Mont Millais' FCC/RHS and 'Rex' FCC/AOS. At the time of award, ‘Shih Yueh Big’ GM/TOGA had a dorsal sepal larger than either parent.
Paphs detest soggy growing medium; pot in well-draining media. Grow them bright and warm 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. We grow our multi-floral Paphs alongside our novelty Phals like Phal. bellina and Phal. amboinensis. With exceptional parents, we expect many awards from this population. Very easy to grow and bloom. A must for every Paph orchid collection! Highly recommended for the multi-floral Paph lover.
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a Seedling Population (not a Mericlone which produces exact duplicates), the picture is for illustration purposes only. No two plants will be the same from this cross, and they will flower in a range of possibilities coming from the two parents.
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