Many collectors of separately shaped tropical orchids, love the unusual appearance of the Paphiopedilum sanderianum. With its unusual petals that can grow very long, this is a real feast for the eyes. But what makes this orchid so special? And how do I make sure my orchid also gets such long petals?
Easy but scarce bloomer
The beauty of this species is that care is not very tight. Thus, it is also a plant that is very suitable for the slightly advanced orchid lover. In fact, it does come at a price, as this plant is in high demand and growers cannot easily keep up with demand.
Why doesn't my sanderianum flower grow that long?
Keeping orchids and finding the optimal care is obviously a big challenge that requires a lot of attention and patience above all. Fortunately, there are many enthusiasts before you who have already learned many tricks. For example, this orchid, as well as the Paphiopedilum Michael Koopowitz (which originates from a sanderianum cross), will be able to get very long petals as the age of the plant progresses.
Pollination by ants?
It used to be thought that the Paphiopedilum sanderianum got these long petals because it was pollinated by ants. That would be the reason, then, that the petals usually grow just as long until they touch the ground. In fact, there are Paphiopedilums where the length has been measured as long as 90 cm from these long petals. Very graceful to look at!
Genetically long petals
Yet this theory has been disproved. In fact, this orchid is pollinated by flies. The length of the petals is mainly determined by the genetic characteristics of the parents, so it is possible that in a while we will encounter a sanderianum that can get much longer petals. So very exciting developments in the orchid world.
Nevertheless, the length of the petals does contribute to pollination because it is attractive to the insects that the plant wants to attract.
Care
The Paphiopedilum sanderianum likes relatively large amounts of water compared to similar species. And in doing so, it is a heat worshipper. Originally, this species grows on the rock walls of Borneo. By using enough indirect light and high humidity, as well as placing the plant on an elevation, you can encourage the flowers to grow longer petals.
Paphiopedilum sanderianum, where to buy?
New hybrids and also complete Paphiopedilum sanderianum orchids are regularly for sale in our webshop. Because we are also incredibly in love with the appearance of this plant, this species piques our interest very much. Claessen Orchids and Plants has become big in the past because of this species, among others. So new ones of this species and hybrids with distinct flower petals will soon appear again. Safe shipping within the EU is possible through our webshop.
