Paphiopedilum liemianum (Fowlie) Karas. & Saito 1982 is a terrestrial or lithophytic, on mossy limestone cliffs, growing Lady Slipper Orchid species native to the North of Sumatra, Indonesia, the sixth largest island in the world.

Sumatra has a huge biodiversity, but due to the lost of almost 50% of its tropical rainforest during the last decades, many species are critically endangered, so the beautiful, but rare lady slipper orchid Paphiopedilum liemianum. Flowers get a width of about 8 cm. Flowering period: Spring. Paphiopedilum liemianum lady slipper orchids are protected by CITES Appendix I (threatened with extinction, trade only in exceptional circumstances). The terrestrial orchid (ground orchid) requires intermediate to warm temperatures and moderate bright light. Waterings should be restricted during the winter rest.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Lady Slipper Orchid Paphiopedilum liemianum
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee