Recommendations for compact pink Phrag

[gmdiaz]

I would like to try growing A Phrag. . .because of space "issues", I am looking for a single, really great one but very small.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by gmdiaz

Are there any tiny Phrags? Maybe not mini but very small?

Well there are a few pretty small Phrags. The first that comes to mind is schlimii. Phrag fischeri is also quite small, as are some clones of pearcei (although there are some pretty large clones of pearcei as well). There is a variety of longifolium called gracile that is pretty compact; I think hinksianum is also a small longifolium variety (maybe it is a syn for gracile?). Phrag besseae is not really big but usually grows to a decent size eventually, especially since it likes to "climb" so much. Phrag dalessandroi is very similar to besseae. Finally there are several species allied with pearcei (like ecuadorense, which some consider a variety of pearcei) that I think are similar in size to it. Hybrids are easier to grow than species, but many hybrids are between small species and large ones which makes them larger. Seek hybrids with more small species heritage than large species heritage to get smaller plants. Hope that was helpful.

[gmdiaz]

Gonna go check em out!

Thanks a million!

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by LinhT

I have seen Cardinale before and it is gorgeous. I'll have to google Wilcox. Thanks so much for the suggestions, slipperfreak!

Gwen, you're looking for a phrag too?

No problem!

[unhappykat]

I havent come across very many phrags which I would label as small, of the few I would say Phrag Schlimii and Phrag dalessandroi and phrag besseae. Be watchful of besseae hybrids as some can be overly vigorous and produce a monster very quickly. Also watch where you purchase your phrags look for line bred species and hybrids to minimize chances of recieving a gigantic mutation especially in phrag besseae. Schlimi and most other phrags require a really good source of water, Ro or distilled with some, so be prepared for the special attention or they can die very easily.

[LinhT]

Thanks for the info, unhappykat! All my orchids get the RO water so that won't be an issue at all. I'm just more worried about ones that are too big to fit on a windowsill and end up not getting enough light. Guess I'll just have to see the actual plants at the nursery and determine what I can and cannot grow.

[unhappykat]

Look not only at the plant but also the parents if they are available to determine what the overall size will be, Phrags can seem compact as a seedling and even into their first bloom but after that they can become rampant and even invasive, i have seen a freind who allowed one to go four years without repotting and it had consumed three nearby pots of cattleyas and a dendrobium completely choking them out. Watch for anything that spreads.

[LinhT]

Ok, now I'm a little scared to grow one. Maybe I should just get another Neo.

[unhappykat]

Dont be scared of phrags but be dilligent to their culture and growing habits. pay as much attention to them as you would a Neo, keep them moist, humid, and bright. dont let them wander in their habits or they can easily get too comfortable and then bam! it falls off the window shelf from being too happy, Then it becomes unhappy.

[slipperfreak]

There is no need to be scared! Phrags are really quite easy to grow. Ever grown a Paph before? They grow like Paphs but most like more moisture and a little more light. Most Phrags can grow to very large proportions; just stick to the more compact ones that have been mentioned if space is a concern.