Paphiopedilum Lady Rothschild

The Multifloral Masterpiece with Triple Rothschildianum Influence

Award-Winning Pedigree. Stately Blooms. A Collector’s Ultimate Achievement.

Paphiopedilum Lady Rothschild is a remarkable multifloral slipper orchid hybrid that represents the pinnacle of complex breeding. By combining the legendary Paph. rothschildianum with the classic hybrid Paph. Lady Isabel itself a cross of rothschildianum and stonei—this grex delivers three-quarters rothschildianum genetics, resulting in plants that embody the majestic “King of Slipper Orchids” with subtle refinements from Paph. stonei.

Award-Winning Pedigree & History

• The Cross:Paphiopedilum Lady Isabel × Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
• Registrant:Frank Booth, registered in 1994
• The Parents:

• • Paph. Lady Isabel – A classic hybrid of Paph. rothschildianum × Paph. stonei, registered by T. Statter in 1897
  • Paph. rothschildianum – The legendary “King of Slipper Orchids” from Borneo, famed for its multifloral spikes and imposing presence

Genetic Composition:

75% Paph. rothschildianum, 25% Paph. stonei

This triple dose of rothschildianum creates plants that are ”like improved Lady Isabels with the stronger rothschildianum influence”. In fact, some growers describe these blooms as ”Roth on steroids” due to the overwhelming influence of the King of Paphs.

Flower & Plant Characteristics

• Appearance:Large, stately flowers featuring strongly striped petals and sepals in cream, yellow, and mahogany tones
• Dorsal Sepal:The stonei influence in the background provides a creamy white color on the dorsal sepal, distinguishing it from pure rothschildianum
• Pouch:Rich mauve to pink with darker venation
• Flower Form:Tall, graceful stems with strongly striped flowers that, once open, look like a flock of birds descending
• Spike Height:Tall inflorescences that can reach up to 79 cm (31 inches)
• Flower Count:Expect 4–5 shapely, richly colored flowers per spike on mature plants
• Fragrance: Not fragrant
• Longevity: Long-lasting blooms that can persist for a couple of months

Award-Winning Clones

The grex has received numerous quality awards, demonstrating its exceptional potential:

• Lady Rothschild ‘Tierdon’ – Awarded AM/AOC 2023 with a score of 81.00
• Numerous other awarded clones exist under various judging systems, confirming the consistent quality of this grex

Why Collectors Prize This Hybrid

• Three-quarters rothschildianumgenetics – the closest you can get to the King of Paphs in a hybrid
• Improved vigor and heat tolerance from the stonei influence in the background
• Statelier presentation than Lady Isabel, with more horizontal petal carriage
• Reliable bloomer once maturity is reached—flowers reliably every year
• Show-quality flowers that command attention at exhibitions
• Collector’s prestige – owning this hybrid signifies dedication to multifloral Paphiopedilum cultivation

Care Requirements

This is a large, slow-growing multifloral Paphiopedilum that requires patience and attention to detail.

Light

Provide bright, indirect light. Multifloral Paphiopedilums tolerate more light than many spotted-leaf types, but direct sunlight behind glass risks leaf scorch.

Temperature

Prefers intermediate to warm conditions:

• Ideal daytime range: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
• Protect from temperatures below 15°C (59°F)
• Adds heat tolerance from the stoneigenetics

Watering

Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged. Paphiopedilums do not have pseudobulbs to cope with prolonged drought. Flush the medium with clean water monthly to prevent salt buildup, which can cause leaf tip browning.

Humidity

Maintain 50–70% relative humidity with good air circulation.

Potting Medium

Use a well-draining, aerated Paphiopedilum mix. Repot annually in fresh media to prevent salt accumulation.

Fertilizer

Feed with a diluted balanced orchid fertilizer during the growing season. Paph roots are sensitive to salt buildup, so use fertilizer sparingly.

Growth & Blooming Timeline

These are slow-growing plants that require significant patience:

• From Seedling to Maturity: Typically 5–7 years to reach flowering size
• Mature Leaf Span: 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) across when mature
• First Bloom: May produce just 1–2 flowers on the first spike; full potential of 4–5 flowers is reached on mature plants
• Reliable Blooming: Once mature, flowers reliably every year

A Note on Clones & Availability

Because this is a seedling population (not a mericlone), no two plants will be identical. Each seedling will express a range of characteristics inherited from the awarded parents. When purchasing, look for clones with proven award records or select reputable breeders with exceptional parent stock.

Mature, flowering-size plants are limited in availability and command premium prices due to the long cultivation time required.

Perfect For

• Serious orchid collectors seeking the ultimate multifloral Paphiopedilum
• Exhibition growers wanting show-quality, award-potential blooms
• Intermediate to advanced growers who can provide warm, bright, and humid conditions
• Patient enthusiasts willing to wait 5–7 years for seedlings to reach maturity
• Slipper orchid connoisseurs who appreciate stately, large-flowered hybrids