Lady slipper orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum are among the most desirable flowering plants on earth. They're called 'lady slippers' or 'slipper orchids' because some clever person observed that the pouch 'lip' on the flowers resemble lady slippers, and the name stuck! The past 175 years of breeding have resulted in blooms of incredible color, beauty, and form with the most desirable specimens commanding the highest prices paid of any orchids. Unlike the mass-produced orchids available everywhere these days, each lady slipper orchid is grown from seed in a long, painstaking process taking three to five years until the first bloom is seen. Every plant is a genetically distinct individual, as unique as people. In other words, they’re not clones! Breeders have created albinos (green and white), vinicolor (intensely pigmented), and everything in-between! On top of their lovely form and colors, maudiae-type paphs are among the easiest to grow and bloom. They prefer low light levels, so indoor conditions are just fine. They tend to grow a bit faster than their Paph 'complex' hybrid cousins as well, making them the perfect introduction to this fascinating family of orchids. Please note: plants are NOT in bud/bloom when shipped.