Paphiopedilum dianthum is rare and local with few disjunct fragmented subpopulations and a very restricted distribution in China, Lao PDR and Viet Nam.

The trend of the population is decreasing. The abundance of the species has significantly reduced during recent decades with a very high population reduction due to many threats especially habitat destruction, logging, fires, deforestation, ruthless collection for horticultural purposes, regional and international trade, trampling, recreation, ecological disturbance, tourism and infrastructure development.