Paphiopedilum argus – Argus Paphiopedilum – Argus Orchid (2″ pot)
$25.00
This orchid is native to Brazil, and the Philippines. Personally, it is up on my list as one of the coolest orchids I’ve ever seen. Its common name is Argus Paphiopedilum, referring to the Greek myth of Argus who is a hundred eyed monster- which refers to the dense dark red spotting on the petals. The petals display a tinge of red and yellow on its tips, other times it’s just red. The sepal is a pattern of vertical stripes that look veiny as they reach the edges and the green is so light in some areas that through the sun it looks as though it is glowing neon. The column of the flower is outlined in green with a center of darker green circles making it appear textured, resembling a mouth of a monster. The labellum is bell shaped and veiny, giving the illusion of a brain starting purple or red and gradually transitioning into green- when the light hits it, it looks like it’s glowing, illuminating green from the center. I am convinced this is an alien posing as a flower. In a collection of unique and unusual orchids, this would sure be one of the stars of the show!
Ships in a 2″ pot. Does not come with flowers.
Out of stock
Description
The flower spike can get over 24″ in height and the flowers last at least two months. This orchid grows in filtered light or bright shade, avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the plant. Pot in a well-draining soil mix. Currently, these are in a chunky mix of medium orchid bark and perlite, but you could even pot it in something that is not as chunky like tree fern fiber or fine orchid bark- all of it will work as long as it drains well and some kind of nutrients are provided. A calcium supplement is a good fertilizer for this plant, you could even do some compost or herb fertilizing for an organic option. Watering should be frequent, when you see the medium start to dry, go ahead and water it especially in the hot months and months of active growth. Water less in the Winter, but don’t leave the plant dry for too long during that time. This is a warm to cool grower and prefers medium high humidity.
