Paph. bellatulum

('Standing Tall' x 'Red on Red')

Originally discovered in 1888 and native to Burma and Thailand, Paph. bellatulum is a distinctive member of the Brachypetalum subgenus. The very round but slightly cupped flowers, bold maroon spotting, and very weak flower stems are hallmarks of this species. Paph. bellatulum is not the easiest species to cultivate, but will appreciate strong filtered light, intermediate-to-cool temperatures, and a light topdressing of crushed oyster shell. Plants should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, and a combination of very pure water and infrequent fertilizer should be used in light of its sensitivity to salt buildup. Flowering is heaviest during the spring to summer, and may be facilitated by a cool, dry winter rest.

While most bellatulum flowers are decidedly white, certain strains of the species produce yellowish overlays which may fade with time. The top photo reflects the flower around the time of opening; the second shows the same flower 10 days later.

photos taken on 07-16-07, 07-26-07
All images and descriptions copyright Jason Chang. Personal use permitted, but no commercial use without explicit permission.

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