Paphiopedilum fairrieanum fo. bohlmannianum (Mato) Braem 1998 is a terrestrial growing albino lady slipper orchid, native to the Indian Himalayas (Sikkim) and Bhutan.

The natural habitat of Paphiopedilum fairrieanum are elevations from 1,300 to 2,200 meters, where the lady sklipper orchid grows as a humus epiphyte in leaf litter on limestone cliffs. The albino form is often wrongly labeled as Paphiopedilum fairrieanum var. alba, which is not accepted by the science of botany. The correct and accepted name is Paphiopedilum fairrieanum fo. bohlmannianum or var. bohlmannianum. The erect inflorescence of this dwarf type lady sliper orchid gets a length of about 15 - 20 cm, flowers get a size of about 9 - 10 cm. Paphiopedilum fairrieanum (Lindl.) Pfitzer 1895 orchids are protected by CITES Appendix I (threatened with extinction, trade only in exceptional circumstances).

The lady slipper orchid requires a cool to moderate warm, humid climate and bright light. The potting medium should kept moist, but not soggy. Flowers last longer in cool temperatures. To induce flowering, the orchid should be kept cool and watering should be restricted during winter, but the potting medium should never dry out completely.

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Image: Albino Lady Slipper Orchid Paphiopedilum fairrieanum fo. bohlmannianum
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee