Paphiopedilum Wössner Black Wings

Paphiopedilum Wossner Black Wings – The Dark Jewel of Multifloral Slipper Orchids

Award-Winning Heritage. Striking Dark Blooms. A Collector’s Crown Jewel.

Paphiopedilum Wossner Black Wings is a spectacular multifloral slipper orchid hybrid that represents the pinnacle of Paphiopedilum breeding. Combining the legendary “King of Slipper Orchids” with the mysterious “Black Orchid” of the Philippines, this hybrid delivers dramatic, dark-hued blooms that command attention in any collection. The clone ‘ShihYueh’ SM/TPS is a particularly celebrated selection, known for its exceptional flower quality and award-winning pedigree.

Award-Winning Pedigree & History

• The Cross: Paphiopedilum rothschildianum × Paphiopedilum anitum (also known as adductum anitum)
• Grex Name: Wössner Black Wings (also known synonymously as Johanna Burkhardt in some regions)
• The Parents:

• • Paph. rothschildianum – The legendary “King of Slipper Orchids” from Borneo, prized for its long, horizontally held petals and multifloral spikes
  • Paph. anitum – The “Black Orchid” from the Philippines, famous for its intense, dark coloration and glossy finish
• The Award: The clone ‘ShihYueh’ has received an SM/TPS award (Silver Medal from The Taiwan Paphiopedilum Society), recognizing its outstanding floral quality

A Champion in Competition

This grex has proven itself repeatedly on the exhibition circuit. In 2020, the clone ‘Haur Jih #266’ won Multi-floral Champion at the Taiwan Slipper Orchid Show, showcasing the exceptional quality that this hybrid can achieve. The cross consistently produces award-winning plants, with numerous clones receiving AM and FCC awards internationally.

Flower & Plant Characteristics

• Appearance: Flowers showcase a mesmerizing blend of yellow-gold backgrounds overlaid with dark mahogany to almost black markings. The influence of  anitum provides a distinctive dark, glossy, almost black quality to the blooms.
• Form: Combines the broad sepals and petals with excellent horizontal spread from  rothschildianum. Petals can be long and slightly twisted to horizontal.
• Flower Count: Typically produces 3 to 5 large flowers per inflorescence, with exceptional clones reaching up to 6 flowers on a single spike
• Spike Height: Tall, impressive stems that can reach 70–85 cm or more
• Foliage: Forms sturdy rosettes with long, even green leaves
• Fragrance: Inherits a subtle fragrance from the rothschildianum parent

Why Collectors Prize This Hybrid

• Award-winning genetics– the ‘ShihYueh’ clone carries top-tier lineage
• Dramatic, dark coloration rarely seen in multifloral slipper orchids
• Reliable bloomer that produces impressive, exhibition-quality flower counts
• Stately presence with tall spikes and well-spaced flowers
• Highly awarded grex with numerous AM and FCC clones worldwide

Care Requirements

This is a multifloral Paphiopedilum from the Coryopedilum group and requires slightly different care than single-flower slipper orchids.

Light

Provide bright, indirect light. Slightly higher light levels often result in stronger colors and more compact growth. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the broad leaves.

Temperature

Prefers warm, stable conditions in the range of 18–28°C (64–82°F). Consistent temperatures produce significantly better growth than large fluctuations.

Watering

Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged. This group is more sensitive to roots that are too wet than to a short dry spell. Allow the medium to approach dryness between waterings.

Humidity

Maintain 60–80% relative humidity with good air circulation. These conditions mimic the warm, moist forests of the parent species.

Potting Medium

Use an aerated orchid substrate based on fine to medium bark. Good drainage is essential, reflecting the limestone slope habitats of Paph. rothschildianum.

Fertilizer

Apply a diluted orchid fertilizer regularly during the growing season.

Growth Rate

This hybrid grows relatively slowly but develops into a vigorous bloomer over time. Many plants remain manageable in 4-inch pots for years.

Blooming Information

• Blooming Season: Typically flowers in spring when mature
• Sequential Blooming: Flowers open one after another, extending the display period
• Maturity: Like many multifloral Paphiopedilums, it may take several years to reach flowering size

Perfect For

• Serious orchid collectors seeking award-winning multifloral slipper orchids
• Exhibition growers wanting show-quality blooms
• Intermediate to advanced growers who can provide warm, humid conditions
• Slipper orchid enthusiasts who appreciate dark, dramatic flower colors

A Note on Nomenclature

This hybrid is sometimes listed under the synonym Johanna Burkhardt in certain regions, particularly in Australia, due to differing taxonomic recognition of Paph. anitum. However, the accepted RHS registration is Paphiopedilum Wössner Black Wings