What's a Good Phrag for a Novice

[Eric M Muehlbauer]

For stupidly easy begiiner phrags, you can't beat the bessea hybrids...particularly Mem Dick Clements, Eric Young, Sgt. Eric and Jason Fischer. All grow fast, bloom young, bloom yearly. If space isn't a problem, Sgt Eric is great...its huge, and very red. Like any cross, you can get a dud...they hapen sometimes..I have a Rosalie Dixler that hasn't ever bloomed even though its multigrowth...I really should toss it as it wastes space...but overall, these guys are as easy as can be. Take care, Eric

[quiltergal]

First I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. I'm sorry I never reported back on what I got.

I went to a greenhouse about 3 hours away back in June. She specializes in slippers but sells lots of other chids too. She had many beautiful bessea crosses but I was hesitant to go that route as they were $60 plants. The thought of possibly killing such an expensive plant was a little scary. So I decided to purchase a Paph. delenatii. I've had it for 7 months and it has been happily growing along side my phals. I'm very happy to report that it is now in bud and it appears as though I'll be having twins!

Space is actually an issue now! So, I'm looking at compact plants. There will be a bessea cross in my collection by spring. I also have a rather long list of other Phrags & Paphs I would like to have.

Thanks again for encouraging me to try slippers. I'm sure glad I did. Something tells me there's no turning back now!

[Phantasm]

I have grown a good number of phrags from flask and can honestly say that they are among the easiest plants to grow from flask to blooming plants. They grow like weeds and get big quickly! Many of them stay in bloom for several months on one infloresence and throw multiple spikes over a year. Much quicker than paphs....

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by justatypn

Phags are the slowest of orchids to grow but will become very happy when acclimated into your enviroment. I was unsure of paph's with my collection and had my first one bloom "again" makes one want more and more I keep mine next to my phals. low/med light water weekly with daily misting, fertilize weak-weekly. Don't get me wrong there are some that are real buggers to keep happy, but that sounds like society and co-worker conditions to me..no difference. We do have a members that are extremely well versed in paph's, hopefully you will be able to narrow you choices after they chime in...

Paphiopedilum impulse x Hampshire Raven

Hi Cheryl

I also live in Central Florida and was curious to know if you grow you Paph in an air conditioned environment or outside? Have never tried growing one of these guys, but have had pretty good luck with Phals on the back porch... as you know, it does get hot and muggy in our part of town. Also have a Phal growing indoors near a southern exposed window with blinds and AC on with good results. I'd love to add a Paph to my collection, but would hate to kill one because of improper growing conditions. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. June

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[vmax3000]

I am so glad someone asked this question. I have killed a hanne popow and, although I am mesmerized by them, have been terrified of trying one ever since I cannot tell you if it was over or under watering or a light issue. I am notorious for falling in love, spending some money and then, getting overwhelmed and letting a plant "compost" itself, as I watch in horror. Right now, I have too many phals in need of repotting. Maybe as a reward for finishing my duties and getting better at the watering/observing routine (I am a secret evening waterer..... ...I swear, there are just times in my life when they need water and my life's preoccupation has lost it's positive focus), I will try again. Seriously, I would love one of those Mexipedium xerophyticum, but I don't have that kind of money or experience....well, yet. I can always find money for another orchid, even if I don't have it to pay the bills !

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Hi Cheryl

I also live in Central Florida and was curious to know if you grow you Paph in an air conditioned environment or outside? Have never tried growing one of these guys, but have had pretty good luck with Phals on the back porch... as you know, it does get hot and muggy in our part of town. Also have a Phal growing indoors near a southern exposed window with blinds and AC on with good results. I'd love to add a Paph to my collection, but would hate to kill one because of improper growing conditions. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. June

Originally Posted by vmax3000

I am so glad someone asked this question. I have killed a hanne popow and, although I am mesmerized by them, have been terrified of trying one ever since I cannot tell you if it was over or under watering or a light issue. I am notorious for falling in love, spending some money and then, getting overwhelmed and letting a plant "compost" itself, as I watch in horror. Right now, I have too many phals in need of repotting. Maybe as a reward for finishing my duties and getting better at the watering/observing routine (I am a secret evening waterer..... ...I swear, there are just times in my life when they need water and my life's preoccupation has lost it's positive focus), I will try again. Seriously, I would love one of those Mexipedium xerophyticum, but I don't have that kind of money or experience....well, yet. I can always find money for another orchid, even if I don't have it to pay the bills !

Hey Cheryl,

I'm still curious....do you grow your Paph in an air conditioned environment or outdoors?

Thanks,

June

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Hey Cheryl,

I'm still curious....do you grow your Paph in an air conditioned environment or outdoors?

Thanks,

June

Hi June,
I would be growing in my un-airconditioned fan and shade cooled greenhouse in central Texas, about 2 miles from hell's blast furnace.... I suppose I could try windowsill for a phrag