Description
Paphiopedilum papuanum (zieckianum) is a seldom seen species from Indonesia and New Guinea. This species is occasionally offered as zieckianum but the current accepted name is papuanum. Like many species from the region these plants experience environmental changes due to seasonal monsoons. Overall these plants see over 100″ of rain through the year. There is a drier season in the summer but the plants never dry out.
This species has a reputation as being difficult to grow. They cannot tolerate drying out, but do not want to sit with ‘wet feet’, especially in the cooler months. It is important to strike a balance between offering enough moisture and not causing the roots to rot.
We recommend treating them like other mottled leaf Paphiopedilum, but pay extra attention to them. Use our care page as a basic guide, but provide extra water during the warmer months. This will keep them from drying out.
