Paphiopedilum Magic Lantern Orchid (micranthum x delenatii)

Known by the common name Magic Lantern, this hybrid between various varieties of Paphiopedilum delenatii (rosa, vinicolor) and Paphiopedilum micranthum (both belonging to the subgenus Parvisepalum) seems to enjoy great success, having been registered in 1994 in specialized horticultural catalogs, since when it has won over 90 awards at exhibitions and has been used as a parent taxon at least 17 times.
In this hybridization, the taxon benefited from the advantages of both parents, receiving from micranthum, the seed parent, an exaggeratedly large labellum, and from delenatii, the pollen parent, larger dimensions of the sepals and dorsal petals.
Unfortunately, the hybrid did not inherit the distinctive fragrance from delenatii, but the almost geometric and contrasting pattern of the foliage somewhat compensates for this loss, as does the ease of cultivation, far superior to the original species micranthum.
Paphiopedilum Magic Lantern (micranthum x delenatii) is a compact plant, flowering frequently, between once and three times a year, easy to grow in apartment conditions, with leaves showing spots in various shades of green. Growth temperatures range between minimums of 16 °C and maximums of 24 °C, and humidity should be between 40 – 80%. The flowers last for a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
Pot diameter 9 cm
Height including pot 30-35 cm (when in bloom)

Read the care guide for Paphiopedilum here.