Difference between Paphs and Cypripediums?

[ceebees_orchids]

(first post)
I am beginning my collection of orchids and just got my 8th one- a lovely Paphiopedilum Napa Valley. After looking at plenty of pictures online and seeing some in the shop, I've noticed Paphiopedilums look strikingly similar to Cypripediums. How do you tell the difference when you are in the field? As well as this some sources are saying the Paphiopedilum is a type of Cypripedium while others say vice versa. Please help? Many thanks.

[PaphMadMan]

All slipper orchids were classified as Cypripedium in the past, so older sources may still reflect that. They are all still considered Cypripedium alliance and are classified in subfamily Cypripedioideae.

If you look only at the flowers it can be difficult to distinguish the various slipper orchid genera until you gain some experience, but between Cypripedium and Paphiopedilum the plants are very different. If the plant has a leafy stem or is deciduous, it is not a Paphiopedilum. If it is evergreen and does not have a leafy stem (except for some flower spikes that may have small leafy bracts) it is not a Cypripedium. And in the field, if you are in the western hemisphere it is not a Paphiopedilum.

You didn't ask about Phragmipedium, Selenipedium or Mexipedium, so I won't comment on them here.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Welcome!

Amazing answer PaphMadMan

[Fairorchids]

Geographical & temperature differences are easy:

Paphiopedilum: Southeast Asia and tropical (a few subtropical) conditions, each fan (growth) lives for multiple years. Plants generally grow in leaf litter, a few are either epiphytic or lithophytic.

Cypripedium: Northern hemisphere/temperate zone and/or high altitude, tall stem with decideous foliage. Plants are terrestrials (some grow in bogs).

[estación seca]

Most Cyps are extremely hard to keep alive for most people outside their usual climate areas.