INTRODUCTION

In the late 1960s there started an enormous surge in interest in Paphiopedilum orchid species, the likes of which had not been seen in one hundred years. Several reasons contributed to this sudden interest, but it also seemed that their time had just finally arrived. Cattleya orchids had been popular for many years, and Odontoglossums had had their glory. Phalaenopsis hybrids had made a start, but did not quite make it. It was a time when many orchid growers were searching for new directions for their collections.

A man named Ray Rands found that he could import orchids directly from the jungles and with an insatiable interest (and a rather large budget), he began to bring into cultivation Paphlopedilum species which had not been seen for many years. Dr. Jack A. Fowlie, Editor of The Orchid Digest found a ready supply of material, including exciting new finds with which to study his interest in these Lady’s Slipper orchids. The orchid growing public was waiting with keen interest to learn the latest news from these two individuals.

Although there were bits of news coming out from time to time, it was a period of great frustration for many Paphlopedilum fanciers, for there was nothing in print which seemed to help them either to grow their plants or to tell them how to identify them. While there was quite a large amount of written material about Paphiopedilum orchid species, there was nothing current. Written descriptions were available, but because early collectors never were very truthful about their location data, recent imports could not be accurately identified with those sources. Those untruths caused much confusion.

There also could be found many sources of information about how to grow these species, but methods of cultivation, which were from seventy five to one hundred years old, hardly seemed appropriate to modern techniques. Orchid growers wanted something more up to date which would both tell them how to grow their Paphiopedilums and how to identify them, and there was nothing available.

This book has been written for the purpose of satisfying the curiosity of those orchid growers who need to have a single source, which is both reliable and current, to help them identify and grow their Paphiopedilum species. It is different in this respect, from any other book because it is based upon personal explorations into the jungle habitats of many of the species, to gain firsthand knowledge of how they grow in the wild. It is not based on other literature, from common knowledge, or from a commercial orchid collector whose livelihood depends upon the security of his collecting areas.

For the bases of identifications of the different species, I have relied heavily upon both Dr. Fowlie and Dr. James H. Asher, Jr., whose libraries are among the most complete in existence concerning these

orchid species. While the science of orchid taxonomy is a changing science, the names I have used are as accurate as is possible at this time, but there will undoubtedly be name changes of some species at a later date. And, while it represents a complete listing of known Paphiopedilum species, there are at this moment plants being grown and flowered in cultivation, which have not yet been identified.

Part I of this book deals with the identification of the species and when available, shows photographs of species as they grow in their own habitat. I have included a picture of each species known to be in cultivation, as well as a brief description of the plant, its habitat and climate, and I have included pertinent comments which can help in its cultivation. Some species have been only mentioned, since it has not been possible to obtain living plants.

Part II is based upon twenty years of experience of my own cultivation, as well as years and years of experiences gained from many other Paphiopedilum fanciers. This section will tell you how to grow your slipper orchids successfully, in any climate or country. It is a part of the book which should be read and re-read many times, for it contains a wealth of information directed towards a specific genus of orchids. You will also find that this information is basic to most other orchids as well. The chapters on watering and air movement are particularly important and all orchid growers should study them carefully.

Part III deals with the non-growing aspects of raising orchids, but is most important for the overall knowledge which you will need in order to become a competent Paphiopedilum grower. You may find that you have little interest in sowing your own seeds, or in photographing your flowers, but you should at least be familiar with those procedures. Do not underestimate the importance of orchid societies and of meeting other interested people, for they are some of the best sources of knowledge.

Finally, the chapter on conservation, The Disappearing Jungles, and the chapter detailing the CITES plan for orchid extinction should be read with an understanding that this is not a distant problem. It is a serious concern about which we all must make a commitment to do something which will help solve the problem rather than to aggravate it. We all need to do our part to help so that both we, and our plants will benefit.