Distinguishing Paphiopedilum wardii and bellatulum: Leaf Rigidity and Flower Differences

Question:

Bought Paph. wardii ~month ago. Also have Paph. bellatulum. Never seen flowering, but know flowers from books. Leaves/shape look identical. Want full pictures to ID easily.

Answer:

Francis, Google species names for photos. I use orchidspecies.com—comprehensive coverage, photos, natural habitat, cultural conditions. Constantly updated by Jay Pfhal.

Some species hard to distinguish by leaves alone. Paph. bellatulum leaf = more rigid, less floppy than wardii. Flowers very different.