Phrag. Intis Tears care - Orchid Board

PhysicsMike · #1 07-01-2013, 06:22 PM

Hello all, I am new to the Orchid Board and I am curious what amount of light is needed for this orchid, and when to bring it inside. I live in mid North Carolina.
Thanks

-Mike

jeremyinsf · #2 07-01-2013, 10:41 PM

Welcome!

Bright indirect light. Not too much, but plenty. No direct sun.

Keep it moist. Phrags can take more water than most other orchids. What are the temperature ranges there? Any reason you are growing it outside now?

It's a beautiful plant, by the way. Do you have a photo of the entire thing, showing what it's potted in now?

PhysicsMike · #3 07-02-2013, 08:53 AM

Thanks for the reply. It is in a six by six plastic pot, a rocky substrate, the temp range (until August) is around 70 to mid 80's , will go 90's. it is outside on the my deck under my deck which has a translucent roof. About half my orchids (6 ish) spend the spring to fall there and do well. It's on the north side and gets pretty strong AM light and then weaker in the PM. It is quite humid throughout the summer as well, again, thanks for the info.
My son posted the picture, I'll get him to show me how to post later today ( it's probably about 16" tall and a foot wide, leaves).

jeremyinsf · #4 07-02-2013, 10:09 AM

So, you have a specific growing area outside... so that's great :-) Your conditions sound good.

Here, this might help:

http://culturesheet.org/orchidaceae

hragmipedium

The plant you have is close to Phrag Sorcerer's Apprentice. This plant is in high demand, and much has been written about it. You could search for that and get other ideas and whatnot.

Great on any other pictures! And, I hope you are having fun too!

PhysicsMike · #5 07-02-2013, 10:18 AM

We picked it up at an orchid greenhouse for $35, sounds like a good deal.

jeremyinsf · #6 07-02-2013, 10:26 AM

Indeed! You never know where and when you can get a good idea. Phrag's are not very common in some places, and if you are into them, you can really luck out when a nice one comes along. One of my local places hardly ever gets them, so when they do they hold them and call me. Lucky me! No, actually, it's just a good relationship, in part because I spend so much there.

Also I didn't mention... Phrags don't need a lot of fertilizer, but they DO need it. Not sure what you do with your other orchids, but this is something to consider. Be sure to note as well what it says about clean water, depending on what you have there.

PhysicsMike · #7 07-02-2013, 10:47 AM

Well water, a big plus for us and them. I'll need a chart for water, fert, light, etc! But I want plenty of continuing blooms so worth any cost to keep up with the different varieties.

jeremyinsf · #8 07-02-2013, 10:49 AM

What are you using for fertilizer now?

PhysicsMike · #9 07-02-2013, 11:40 AM

Better gro 11-35-15 is the fert I have on hand.

jeremyinsf · #10 07-02-2013, 12:05 PM

That might be a bit much for a phrag, or actually, orchids in general on a regular basis.

Might I suggest k-lite from firstrays.com

I just switched over to it for all my plants, based on overwhelmingly good feedback here. Ray is also a member and takes the time to answer questions when you have them. You can get 2lbs for $12 + shipping and it will probably last you quite a while. I took the 2lbs and made a liquid concentrate and it's really easy to use.

I had my plants on a somewhat similar fertilizer (MSU type) that I got from repotme.com but it was very, very expensive. I think the k-lite will be better anyway, is cheaper, and comes with the amazing customer service from Ray. I feel like I'm on the right track!

I have a phrag that has had flowers on it for five months, and in that time has also started four new growths. I think how I water it, and how I feed it makes the world of difference. Photo of it here:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...rag-grande.jpg