Distinguished by a prominent pouchlike sac which resembles a ballroom slipper and often decorated with warts, hairs, or stripes, the flowers of slipper orchids may be ugly or pretty, depending on your point of view. In either case, they are captivating to amateur and professional orchids growers alike and indeed may be the most poplar group of orchids in cultivation.

The tropical slipper orchids in cultivation come from two major genera, Paphiopedilum from Southeast Asia and Phragmipedium from Central and South America, and one minor genus, Mexipedium from Mexico. Tens of thousands of hybrids have been made using paphiopedilums and phragmipediums, and each year hundreds more are introduced. All are surrounded by mystique, and all can be grown as houseplants or greenhouse plants.

Descriptions of the species are organized into alliances which are of horticultural importance. The five most important species for breeding exciting hybrids are treated in a separate chapter. The last ten chapters introduce the best and mnost desirable hybrids, again by alliance.

Connoisseurs and beginners alike will find this a useful reference to one of the most intriguing groups of orchids.

Related Silk Orchid Items:

• Wild Orchids of Texas (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
• Orchids: A Care Manual
• Orchids for Every Home
• 100 Orchids for Florida
• Huntleyas and Related Orchids

5 Responses to “Tropical Slipper Orchids: Paphiopedilum & Phragmipedium Species & Hybrids”

1. J. Ludlow says:

   January 8, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I purchased this for my father as an 80th birthday gift – he’s grown orchids for over 60 years and recently added Phragmipediums to the assortment in his greenhouse. The book was perfect – excellent condition, obviously brand new, and with brilliant photographs. He is very pleased with his new book – and so am I – and has thoroughly enjoyed it. Very good reference book for both the species and hybrids. I am very pleased with this purchased – and, if I were also into this group of orchids, I would make sure I had a copy for myself.
2. G. G. Horak says:

   November 11, 2008 at 12:00 am

   I review this tome as a relative new comer to the orchid scene. The writing is not only thorough but seems to answer queries as they arise in your mind. The illustrations are also exquisite. There is also a thorough and helpful section on cultivation which I found tremendously helpful.
3. Stephen H. Feairheller says:

   June 4, 2008 at 12:00 am

   I have been growing tropical slipper orchids for over 40 years and was aware of much of the material covered in this book but found that I was still learning as I read through it. It’s a wonderfully written review that is great for those of us with years of experience as well as those who are just developing an interest in these intriguing orchids. I heartily recommend it to all those with all levels of interest.
4. Judith F. Witkin says:

   May 31, 2008 at 12:00 am

   This book has gorgeous pictures and lots of information. I highly recommend it for the experienced orchid grower, especially a Slipper grower. It might be a too overwhelming for the beginner unless they are really dedicated and determined to grow Slippers.
5. Carole E. Meyers says:

   May 25, 2008 at 12:00 am

   This book has a scientific text. I bought it for the wonderful images of orchids and would have preferred a more layman text, but that is not who this book is written for. So I just enjoy looking at the pictures.