Paphiopedilums,
or lady's-slipper
orchids, inspire a fanatic devotion
among their adherents that is
unparalleled in the orchid family.
Beginning orchidists, especially, may
have a difficult time understanding
just why this might be. The flowers
are unusual even for an orchid,
and the plants can be intractable
and seemingly slow to grow and
flower. On the other hand, the blooms
are especially long-lasting, the
foliage is handsome and compact,
and these are among the few orchids
that seem ready-made for typical
home conditions.
