Vietnam Lady’s Slipper Orchid – The “Queen” Withering on limestones

Once sought after by international collectors willing to pay hundreds of millions of VND per plant, Vietnam’s Lady’s Slipper Orchid is now nearly impossible to find in the wild, even for those with vast resources. According to the latest IUCN statistics, fewer than 50 mature individuals remain in their natural habitat.
A Unique Treasure
Discovered and introduced to the scientific world in 1999, the Vietnam Paphiopedilum Orchids (Paphiopedilum vietnamense) is a rare endemic species found only in a single location globally—the towering limestone cliffs of Đồng Hỷ District in Thái Nguyên Province. Research by scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources reveals that this orchid’s distribution is extraordinarily narrow, confined to an area of approximately 10 km².
Fragile Beauty on the Cliffs
At an altitude of 550 meters above sea level, in the damp crevices of limestone cliffs, these orchids display their delicate charm. With large, soft pink-white petals and a signature pouch-shaped labellum, the Vietnam Lady’s Slipper Orchid is considered one of the most beautiful and distinctive species in the Orchidaceae family.
A Struggle for survival
The IUCN Red List has classified the Vietnam Lady’s Slipper Orchid as Critically Endangered (CR)—the highest level of threat before extinction in the wild. Observational data indicate that its population has declined by over 90% in the past two decades, primarily due to illegal harvesting and habitat loss.
Conservation Efforts
Recognizing the urgent need to protect this precious orchid, the government has included it in Group I of Decree 32/2006/ND-CP, prohibiting all forms of exploitation and trade for commercial purposes. Experts from the IUCN are implementing a comprehensive conservation program, including artificial propagation and monitoring the species' population in the wild.
A Call from the Vietnam Forest Resources Museum
The loss of any orchid species represents an irreplaceable loss to Vietnam’s natural heritage. We call on the community to:
Refrain from buying, trading, or keeping wild-sourced orchids.
Share this information to raise awareness about orchid conservation.
Report illegal harvesting or trading activities to authorities.
Participate in conservation education initiatives organized by the Museum.
Support research and conservation programs for wild orchids.
Let us act together today so future generations may still witness the unparalleled beauty of Vietnam’s “Queen,” the Lady’s Slipper Orchid, in its natural environment.