Paphiopedilum Honey

Elegant Form. Long-Lasting Display. A Rewarding Hybrid.

Paphiopedilum Honey is a captivating primary hybrid that brings together the best qualities of its distinguished parents. Registered in 1978 by Cryder, this multifloral slipper orchid has earned a loyal following among collectors for its graceful flowers, sequential blooming habit, and ease of cultivation.

Award-Winning Pedigree & History

• The Cross: Paphiopedilum philippinense × Paphiopedilum primulinum
• Registrant: Cryder, registered in 1978
• Grex Name: Honey (frequently misspelled as “Honei” on tags due to simple copying errors)
• Type: Primary multifloral hybrid combining the Coryopedilum and Cochlopetalum groups

The Parents:

• philippinense– A spectacular multifloral species from the Philippines, known for its long, twisted, “twiddly” petals and tall spikes bearing multiple flowers simultaneously
• primulinum– A sequential bloomer that produces flowers one after another over an extended period, known for its easier cultivation and cheerful yellow tones

Flower & Plant Characteristics

• Appearance: Flowers display a beautiful yellow base with elegant brown markings and a pinkish-white to rosy pouch. The blooms feature long, gracefully twisting petals inherited from  philippinense and a pointed pouch that reflects its parentage.
• Size: Flowers typically reach approximately 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) Plants grow to about 50 cm (20 inches) in height and width.
• Blooming Habit: A sequential bloomer – flowers open one at a time from the top of the spike, with new buds developing as older flowers fade. This results in a display that can last for months under optimal conditions.
• Blooming Season: Typically flowers in summer (June to August).
• Foliage: Forms sturdy rosettes with attractive green leaves of good substance.

Why Collectors Love This Hybrid

• Extended flowering season– sequential blooming provides months of enjoyment
• Elegant, graceful form– the long, twisted petals create a striking silhouette
• Easier cultivation– inherits resilience from  primulinum
• Desirable multifloral characteristics– produces 3–5 flowers per spike
• Variable appearance– different parent clones can produce variations in color intensity and form
• Windowsill-friendly– adaptable to home growing conditions

Care Requirements

This hybrid is considered easier to grow than many multifloral Paphiopedilums, making it accessible to intermediate growers while still rewarding experienced collectors.

Light

Provide bright, indirect light. Some direct morning or evening sun is beneficial, but avoid harsh midday sun that can scorch the leaves. Good light promotes stronger coloration.

Temperature

Prefers moderate to warm conditions:

• Summer:18–30°C (64–86°F)
• Winter: Protect from temperatures below 15°C (59°F)
• Night drop: A drop of 10–15°F at night is beneficial

Watering

Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged:

• Water approximately once per week in typical conditions
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
• This hybrid does not like dry conditions and is susceptible to spider mites when too dry

Humidity

Maintain 50–70% relative humidity. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues. This plant tolerates lower humidity better than many multifloral species.

Potting Medium

Use a well-draining, aerated orchid mix:

• Standard Paphiopedilum mix (fine bark, perlite, sphagnum)
• Calcium-loving: Add crushed dolomite, oyster shell, or marble chips to the mix, as this hybrid appreciates calcium supplementation

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) :

• Apply 2–3 times per week at diluted strength during active growth
• Reduce feeding during cooler months

Repotting

Repot every 1–2 years or when the medium breaks down. This hybrid is relatively forgiving of root disturbance compared to some other Paphiopedilums.

Growth & Propagation

• Growth Habit: Sympodial (growing from a creeping rhizome)
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Propagation: By division of mature plants with multiple growths
• Spike Care: Once flowers fade, cut the spike at the base

Potential Confusion

Two similar hybrids are sometimes confused with Paphiopedilum Honey:

• Shireen – (Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum × Paph. philippinense) – can look very similar
• Judge Philip – (Paphiopedilum philippinense × Paph. Pinocchio) – another sequential bloomer

The key distinguishing feature is the flower color and the specific form of the markings.

Perfect For

• Collectors who want a rewarding multifloral Paphiopedilum
• Growers seeking a sequential bloomer with months of flowers
• Windowsill enthusiasts with bright, indirect light
• Intermediate growers ready for a step up from single-flower Paphs
• Everyone who appreciates elegant, long-lasting flowers