Often overlooked and less favored by hobbyists than other species with larger or more brightly colored flowers is the charming Paphiopedilum gratrixianum, native to Laos and Viet Nam. Shown growing in a two and one quarter inch wide pot is a multiple growth plant with 2 inflorescences; plants with even six or eight growths in a pot of this size can be the norm, as this species tends to grow its leaves tightly clustered, a boon for growers concerned with space constraints. Somewhat surprisingly, this species seems to be very sturdy in cultivation despite the tight arrangement of leaves, although plants do grow best if they are potted in a fairly open mix, as they will lose roots quickly in a heavy, wet mix. Flowers of this species vary from those with heavily spotted, mostly white dorsals, to those with a rose flush to the entire dorsal, and fine spotting. Petals are typically honey-caramel colored, and are slightly cuppy and recurving, adding interest to the flower. A natural hybrid between Paph. gratrixianum and Paph. henryanum has been found and named recently; we currently have for sale flasks of this artificially propagated hybrid that should take the best from both parents: lots of spots, smallish plants, and very colorful flowers.
