Phragmipedium Culture
Phragmipediums are found in Mexico through South America. Most of the species of this group grow in a terrestrial manner. This may be either loose, forest litter or light, friable soils rich in organic matter. Plants can be found in light dappled shade to sometimes full sun. Rainfall is plentiful in these areas giving way to the common belief that the Phragmipediums should be grown wet. At Carter and Holmes, we have broken the Phragmipediums into two major groups. The first group consists of plants that are of an older type of hybridizing using species such as Phrag. caudatum, Phrag. sargentianum, and Phrag. longifolium. The second group consists of Phrag. besseae and Phrag. schlimi. These two groups are considered the "dry group" and the "wet group". The lines have been blurred between these groups in the past years with introduction and heavy use of Phrag. besseae. The excitement of new, vibrant colors from the Phrag. besseae breeding has forced us to comply with two generalized growing mediums.
The first group of Phragmipediums can easily be potted with seedling grade fir bark type mixes. Many growers are using the newer coconut fiber and chunk mixes with some success. At Carter and Holmes, we still use fir bark based mixes. Overall culture should be similar to Paphiopedilums. Water frequently.
The second or "wet" group has entirely different water requirements. We found that using more water in the fir bark mix to supply the moisture requirements for Phrag. besseae and its hybrids caused the bark to mold. We found that none of the standard phrag. mixes suited our conditions. We modified a hobby mix used in the Midwest. This media has given the best results. The ingredients for this mix are as follows:
- Three parts long fibered New Zealand or Chilean sphagnum moss
(soak for at least 24 hours and squeeze drain)
- One part volcanic rock, cleaned (1/4" to ½")
- One part #3 perlite (sponge rock)
- One part medium tree fern
Mix well, pot loosely, use soaked, clay pots. Place on clay saucer. Keep wet. To avoid algae build up, use fine tree fern as a top dressing.
To fertilize, use ½ strength Grow More 20-10-20 every fourth watering or Dyna Gro 7-9-5 every other time. It is important to leach the pot of accumulated fertilizer salts every month.
We found our best growth comes in the fall and winter when evening temperatures are maintained as low as 58 degrees to 62 degrees. Ideal daytime temperatures would be 77 degrees to 82 degrees. Good air movement is very important.
Bright, indirect light is good for adult, flowering size plants. Young plants of Phragmipedium should not be exposed to as much light as older plants.
Note: This guide is only applicable to Phragmipediums. For other varieties, please click on one of these links:
See also:
|
