phragmipedium kovachii

[rosannamaria]

I just got my first ( and probably my only ) Kovachii.
I 'd welcome any advice regarding it's growth, ligth, watering, temperature, I mean, any advice will be helpfull, I'm kind of terrified.

[Phantasm]

The culture depends on the maturity of your plant. Here is Glen Decker's advice: PipingRock Orchids Catalogue

In my experience with growing Phrag kovachii from flask, they grow best when small under phalaenopsis lighting, moist roots, cool temperatures - they grow best in the spring and fall - poorly in summer. They also enjoy an alkaline PH so add oyster shell (used for poultry for strong eggs) to the mix.

Treat as any other Phrag other than that. I have grown my seedlings for 1 1/2 years from flask and the largest are perhaps 12 inches+ across and the smallest have hardly grown 4+. I have lost only one seedling out of 30 under my conditions.

Here's another website with a lot of information from Alfredo Manrique in Peru:

Phragmipedium kovachii.com [Main Page]

[smartie2000]

Mine has been growing in sphagnum moss

[Phantasm]

The problem with moss is that it tends to be on the acidy side and gets worse as it breaks down. Kovachii enjoys a slightly alkaline PH.