Paphiopedilum purpuratum · Plant reference

About

A forest slipper orchid of southern China and Hainan, first found on Hong Kong Island in 1850 and now Critically Endangered.

Pet safety: Not recorded. We have no source on whether this plant is safe for cats, dogs or other pets — that is not the same as safe. Keep it out of reach until you have checked.
People: Not recorded.

Light: Shade-loving: roughly 1,000–2,000 foot-candles, such as an east or west window or a shaded south window. General guidance for the genus
Water: Keep the mix evenly moist but never soggy; do not leave the pot standing in water. General guidance for the genus
Humidity: Moderate, about 40–50%; a tray of damp gravel helps, with steady air movement. General guidance for the genus
Temperature: Nights about 13–22 °C (55–72 °F), days 21–29 °C (70–85 °F); mottled-leaf and multi-flowered types prefer the warmer end, plain green-leaved types the cooler end. General guidance for the genus
Soil: Fine to medium fir bark with perlite, sand or sphagnum; limestone-dwelling species appreciate added limestone chips or oyster shell. General guidance for the genus
Pot: Repot about every two years, or sooner if the mix breaks down. General guidance for the genus
Propagation: Divide established clumps into groups of three to five growths; single growths may take time to flower. General guidance for the genus

“General guidance for the genus” marks advice sourced for the genus as a whole rather than this species.

Southern China, including Hong Kong, to Hainan Island, in forest.

Discovered on Hong Kong Island in 1850.

Critically Endangered, with fewer than 250 wild individuals; decline is driven by habitat loss and degradation.

Difficulty: Not recorded
Temperature: Nights about 13–22 °C (55–72 °F), days 21–29 °C (70–85 °F); mottled-leaf and multi-flowered types prefer the warmer end, plain green-leaved types the cooler end.
Humidity: Moderate, about 40–50%; a tray of damp gravel helps, with steady air movement.