paphiopedilum , my best orchid ever ::)

            Unlike some species which became wretched decoration tools in supermarkets, paphiopedium orchids are quite savage, odd and captivating. Everytime l see a giant, mostly single bloom with stunning colors among the modest leafs, l look them with great admiration. First time l saw one was at Paris in a very snowy day. l was wandering at the city, lingering to not get into the home and come across with one p. insigne in small parisien flower shop. Afterwards l decided to give trial and since 3 years l have one! This year l also bought also one p. villosum which has a bit more humble color in family. They are not difficult plants infact but you should know specificly what they need and providing relevant environment is essential. Thus, l'd like to write about paphiopediums in nature also. 
            Paphiopediums are native plants of southeast Asia. Thailand, Endonasia, Malesia and Vietnam are main countries whish they are wide-spreed. My favorite species p. insigne is native of Bangladesh and Nepal. They generally locate in organic layers that contacts with inorganic componants of landscape. Thats why, although generally they are terresterial, there are some species grow on tree trunks or among the lime stone cracks. They generally can be found over 900-1200m height, partly shade forests.

Tips: After flower spike died, l repot my paph (this is the abbreviation in literature) to mix of 1/2 finebark, 1/4 moss, 1/6 charcoal, 1/4 perlite, 1/6 cork ( l went to one vine house to beg few cork and it was fuuny ). Keeping roots always moist, giving attention not let the plant soaked is very inportant. We can gather paphs generally in two groups. Straight-light green ones, which have more tolerance to sunlight. Second group have mottled-dark green leafs. l find this plants a bit baroque actually, maybe this is the reason l dont prefer to grow them ::) Some species like p. insigne needs amounth of calcium. l think thats why they live as lithophyt on limestone cliffs. l added some mineral stones to the mixture. As l read on related articles, low night temperature is necessary to induce blooming in early spring. l dont have enough experience to give advise but l need to say that last year our heating system was malfunction for 10 days. Just right after l saw small flower spike on my plant, so worth to try :)