TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Agriculture said exports of rare lady’s slipper orchids have been increasing by about 5% annually thanks to successful cultivation in seedling farms, even as the endangered species remains at risk in the wild due to decades of overharvesting.
Seventeen MOA-certified farms cultivate the orchids domestically. Although the plants account for only about 1% of Taiwan’s orchid exports, they are far more difficult to grow and ship than the more common Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, which make up roughly 70% of exports, per CNA.
According to a seedling farm press release, the genus Paphiopedilum takes its name from the Greek words “paphia,” referring to Venus, and “pedilon,” meaning sandal, a nod to the flower’s distinctive shoe-shaped pouch. The plants are highly prized by collectors worldwide for their striking colors and unique form.
Because of their vulnerability, Paphiopedilum species are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which restricts international trade to prevent further depletion of wild populations. Taiwan’s nursery system has handled verification under the “Registration System for Artificial Cultivation Sites of the Lady’s Slipper Orchid” since 1999.
The nursery said cultivation remains challenging, but cooperation between industry and research institutions has helped strengthen the production of artificially propagated seedlings and cut flowers. It said these efforts reflect Taiwan’s commitment to both conservation and sustainable use, in line with CITES obligations.
Most cultivation sites are located in central and southern Taiwan. The main export markets for seedlings include the US, Thailand, and Canada, with annual shipments totaling about 44,000 plants. Cut flowers are exported primarily to the US, with around 17,000 stems shipped each year. All 17 registered farms have submitted export applications.
The nursery said 441 export applications were approved in 2024, with the total export value estimated at NT$16 million (US$510,000), a 5% increase from 2023. Data shows that Taiwan complies with CITES rules while maintaining industry growth and meeting international market demand.
