{"product_id":"paphiopedilum-hirsutissimum-purple-slipper-orchid","title":"Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum – Purple Hairy Slipper Orchid","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA striking and characterful species slipper orchid, \u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum hirsutissimum\u003c\/i\u003e is prized for its richly coloured purple to maroon flowers, marked with green striping and distinctive \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ehairy petal edges\u003c\/span\u003e. The blooms are bold and textural, held above attractively mottled foliage. Slower-growing than many hybrids, this species rewards steady care with dramatic, long-lasting flowers that feel truly special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum hirsutissimum\u003c\/i\u003e (very hairy, referring to the bristly hairs along the petals)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA true species within the \u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum\u003c\/i\u003e genus, part of the Orchidaceae family. Unlike Maudiae-type Paphiopedilums, \u003ci\u003ePaphiopedilum hirsutissimum\u003c\/i\u003e is not a hybrid and can be reliably identified by its mottled leaves and the distinctive hairs along the edges of the petals and sepals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePurple Slipper Orchid, Hairy Slipper Orchid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to north-east India, Myanmar, Thailand, and surrounding regions, where it grows terrestrially in leaf litter on shaded forest floors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light or light shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Slightly brighter light in autumn can help support flower development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the compost evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of compost to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering a little in winter, but never allow the plant to dry out completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEnjoys moderate to high humidity. Performs well in kitchens, bathrooms, or near a pebble tray. Avoid misting directly into the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a specialist Paphiopedilum or fine orchid bark mix that retains some moisture while still draining freely. Repot every 1–2 years, ideally after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 3–4 waters during the growing season with a diluted orchid fertiliser. Reduce feeding significantly in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers slightly cooler conditions than many hybrid Paphiopedilums. Ideal temperature range is 15–22°C. Avoid temperatures below 10–12°C and protect from cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNon-toxic. Considered safe for pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis species appreciates consistent conditions – sudden changes in temperature or watering can delay flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eTypically flowers from late winter into spring, with each growth flowering once before producing new shoots at the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe fine hairs along the petals are thought to help guide and temporarily trap pollinating insects, increasing the plant’s chances of successful pollination in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"9cm","offer_id":57710962737533,"sku":"4455941758671","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/paphiopedilum-hirsutissimum-purple-hairy-slipper-orchid-sprouts-of-bristol-sprouts-of-bristol-8751306.jpg?v=1769023783","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/es\/products\/paphiopedilum-hirsutissimum-purple-slipper-orchid","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}