Paphiopedilum Saint Swithin

Paphiopedilum Saint Swithin (rothschildianum ‘WenShin #1’ x philippinense fma. album) – The Quintessential Multifloral Slipper Orchid

Legendary Pedigree. Award-Winning Legacy. A Century of Excellence.

Paphiopedilum Saint Swithin is one of the most celebrated multifloral slipper orchid hybrids in cultivation, representing the pinnacle of multifloral Paphiopedilum breeding. This particular cross, featuring the clone ‘WenShin #1’ and the rare album form of Paph. philippinense, offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of horticultural history with unique genetic potential.

Award-Winning Pedigree & History

• The Cross: Paphiopedilum rothschildianum × Paphiopedilum philippinense
• This Selection: rothschildianum ’WenShin #1’ × philippinense album – a distinctive cross using the rare album form of philippinense
• Registrant: Statter, registered in 1901
• Grex Name: Saint Swithin (also frequently spelled “St. Swithin”) named after the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral

The Parents:

• rothschildianum – The legendary “King of Slipper Orchids” from Borneo, famed for its long, horizontally held petals and multifloral spikes bearing up to 6 large flowers
• philippinense – A spectacular multifloral species from the Philippines and northern Borneo, known for its long, twisted petals and tall spikes
• philippinense fma. album – The rare album (pigment-free) form of philippinense, carrying the genetic potential for lighter, more refined coloration in offspring

One of the Most Awarded Orchids in History

This grex has stood the test of time and remains immensely popular today, having garnered over 150 quality awards from the American Orchid Society, with at least 5 of those being First Class Certificates (FCC) – the highest possible accolade. It has been described as the “crème de la crème of quality award winners” and is considered one of the most awarded orchid grexes in history.

Flower & Plant Characteristics

• Appearance: Averages 4-5 brown flowers per inflorescence with a yellow pouch, and white and purple striped sepals. The flowers feature the imposing, striped form of the polyantha (multifloral) group
• Form: Combines the long, majestic petals of rothschildianum with the graceful, twisted quality of philippinense
• Blooming Season: Typically flowers from winter to spring, with blooms that can last a long time in stable temperatures
• Plant Size: Large, vigorous grower that forms a robust rosette of longer, strap-shaped green leaves and can build up several growing points over the years
• Award Potential: This grex has numerous awarded clones, including ‘Eunice Cox’ HCC/AOS, ‘Tom Cox’ HCC/AOS, ‘Vessel of Gold’, and ‘Germeni’ AM/AOC

Why Collectors Prize This Hybrid

• Over 150 AOS awards – a testament to exceptional quality
• One of the most awarded grexes in orchid history
• Outstanding vigor – considered one of the most vigorous multiflorals to date
• Reliable bloomer that produces impressive flower counts on mature plants
• Using the rare album form of philippinense offers unique breeding potential for lighter, refined coloration
• Stately presence with tall spikes and spectacular multifloral display

Care Requirements

This multifloral Paphiopedilum requires slightly different care than single-flower slipper orchids but is considered manageable for intermediate growers.

Light

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

Temperature

Prefers warm to moderate conditions:

• Ideal range: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
• Protect from temperatures below 15°C (59°F)

Watering

Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged. Paphiopedilums do not have pseudobulbs to cope with prolonged drought, so complete dehydration is counterproductive. Use demineralized water or rainwater where possible.

Humidity

Maintain 60–80% relative humidity with good air circulation for stable growth and bud formation.

Potting Medium

Use an aerated, bark-based Paphiopedilum mix with good drainage. Regular changes help reduce structure loss and salt accumulation.

Fertilizer

Feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer regularly during the growing season. Low dosage with occasional flushing keeps the substrate clean.

Repotting

Repot every 1–2 years or when medium breaks down. This hybrid is relatively forgiving of root disturbance.

A Note on the Album Form

This specific cross uses philippinense fma. album, which carries an albino allele that lacks pigment save for chlorophyll. While standard Saint Swithin displays brown and yellow tones, offspring from this cross have the potential for lighter, more refined coloration, making it particularly interesting for breeders and collectors seeking something unique.

Propagation & Availability

Saint Swithin is commonly available from specialist orchid nurseries, though quality varies between clones. The cross using ‘WenShin #1’ and album philippinense is a more specialized selection that may be limited. Mature, flowering-size plants command premium prices due to the slow growth and large size of these multiflorals.

Perfect For

• Serious orchid collectors seeking a legendary, award-winning grex
• Exhibition growers wanting show-quality multifloral blooms
• Intermediate to advanced growers who can provide warm, bright, and humid conditions
• Breeders interested in the genetic potential of the album form
• Slipper orchid enthusiasts who appreciate stately, large-flowered hybrids