Phragmipedium - Orchid Board

slipperfreak · #1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 01:58 PM

A new content_care_sheets entry has been added:

Phragmipedium

gixrj18 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 09:06 PM

Thanks Joe, that was right on time! I just got my first Phrag at HD, last weekend. Your info was just what I needed. I've got paphs, but this was nice and specific, targeting the species I got. Couldn't believe I found it at the Home Depot. Phrag. Inca Fire (Phrag. Andean Fire x Phrag. besseae) :

slipperfreak · #3 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 11:17 PM

Hey Jasen,

Yes what you have is a classic example of a besseae influence hybrid; this is a wet grower and if you follow those directions you should do fine. I would recommend moderate light, as for a plain leaved Paph. These hybrids get much-improved flower color with lower temps while in spike.

Thanks for reading!

gixrj18 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 11:20 PM

Thanks again!

Lagoon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 07:41 AM

Excellent Joe! Very easy and clear read. I'm thinking you'll be able to get more folks growing these now that they have a good reference for these beauties.

Just a note about the besseae - I have them growing in peatmoss also in sphag moss with a PH of 7.3 and med hard water. They grow very well and bloom even without special water preps.

slipperfreak · #6 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 01:42 PM

Hey Gloria, this is something I should have actually added about besseae - I do stress that water quality is important because it is a sensitive species (and all Phrags do best with pure water), but some clones are less sensitive than others, and water quality greatly varies. As well, with an acidic mixture like yours (I'm assuming your water raises the pH?), hard water may not be such a problem if the mix is flushed well frequently. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!

slipperfreak · #7 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 02:03 PM

Hey everyone, just thought I'd mention that I read over the sheet again and did some editing; had a few mistakes in there. Thanks!

manfred · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 04:16 AM

Hi folks you make it sound so simple.I have no problem growing slippers but not much luck with Phrags.
I live in Sydney Australia and grow them outside under cover .My sliipers flower every year but my Phrags have developed brown blotches on the leaves which spread ,plus brown areas which look like a caterpillar been over the leaves any idea what it could be that I am doing wrong.
Thanks in advance Manfred

slipperfreak · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 09:01 PM

Hi Manfred,

A very common problem with Phrags is a soft, brown bacterial rot that appears on the leaves. This starts out as small blotches but quickly spreads throughout the entire plant, resulting in eventual death. To counter this, you must pull off any infected leaves as soon as it appears and treat with a bactericide, or cinnamon. As for the "caterpillar" marks, show us some photos and perhaps we can diagnose the problem!

manfred · #10 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

Hi Manfred,

A very common problem with Phrags is a soft, brown bacterial rot that appears on the leaves. This starts out as small blotches but quickly spreads throughout the entire plant, resulting in eventual death. To counter this, you must pull off any infected leaves as soon as it appears and treat with a bactericide, or cinnamon. As for the "caterpillar" marks, show us some photos and perhaps we can diagnose the problem!

Sounds nasty indeed.Cinnamon I like the sound of that would you mind telling me how to apply.I personally hate chemicals so anything natural sounds good.
Photos I will try take some next weekend .Middle Winter here and dark too early
Thanks in advance for youyr help
regards
Manfred