Paphiopedilum philippinense (Rchb.f) Stein 1892 is a terrestrial, occasionally epiphytic growing, large lady slipper orchid species, native to the Philippines.

Primarily the lady slipper orchid has been named by the German botanist Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach (1823-1889) in 1862 as Cypripedium philippinense, which is the basionym for the tropical plant, in 1892 the German botanist and orchid specialist Berthold Stein (1847-1899) included the lady slipper orchid in the Paphiopedilum genus.The thick green leaves of Paphiopedilum philippinense can reach a length up to 50 cm, inflorescences get a length up to 60 cm and carry up to 5, nearly simultaneously opening, flowers. The impressive lady slipper flowers with its long, graceful corkscrew sepals get a width of about 22 cm. Flowering period: Spring - Summer. Paphiopedilum philippinense orchids are protected by CITES Appendix I (threatened with extinction, trade only in exceptional circumstances). The lady slipper orchid requires a cool to warm climate and bright light, but no full sun. The potting medium should always be humid, but certainly not soggy. Paphiopedilum philippinense is often used as a parent for stunning Paphiopedilum hybrids.

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Image: Lady Slipper Orchid Paphiopedilum philippinense (Rchb.f) Stein 1892