Weekly Wonder | Lady Slipper Orchid

This week I thought I'd bring something a little more 'uncommon' and exotic to the table - Lady Slipper Orchids (properly known as Paphiopedilum).  The use of these orchids in wedding work can be soft and romantic to edgy and more couture.

Just a sample of the many available varieties of Lady Slipper Orchids

Name:  Lady Slipper Orchid or Paphiopedilum (pronounced PAFF-ee-oh PED-e-lum) of the Orchidaceae family consisting of 80 species and over 20,000 registered hybrid forms.  Surprisingly, there are new varieties being stumbled upon in nature - although, not often.


General FYI:  These orchids naturally occur in China, India, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.  They are mostly terrestrial; however, some varieties have been found to be growing in trees and on rocks.  The name Lady Slipper came from the cup like appearance of the lower petal or lip.  These occur in a multitude of colours and either have a spotted or striped pattern.


Availability:  Paphiopedilum's (Lady Slipper Orchids) are available year-round.  However, as these are not commonly carried by many local florists and their wholesalers, make sure to ask well in advance for special orders.


Longevity:  As a plant, blooms can last a month or longer; however, as a cut flower, do not expect to have the bloom lasting any longer than a couple of days in dry Canadian climates.  The bloom is not as delicate as one would expect; however, these flowers do love moisture, so don't expect one to look as vibrant at 10 pm as it did first thing in the morning after a long hot day in the summer sun.  


Our Take:  This orchid is amazing and can be used in conjunction with various palates and themes.  Simply the look of this variety of orchid will have your wedding guests dropping their jaws.  As they are not that delicate of a flower, their versatility in bouquets and body flowers is phenomenal.  As this is a less commonly used flower, do expect retail prices per bloom to be anywhere from $10 - 30 per bloom depending on your locale.


We purchase all of our Lady Slippers from Green Point Nurseries in Hilo, Hawaii.  They have never let us down!


Photo Credits:
Bouquet Wedding Flower.com
Rebecca's Silver Rose
Tropical Plants Flowers and Decor


Information credits:
All About Paphiopedilum Orchids and How to Grow Them
Wikipedia