Phrags and wet feet

[phraggy]

Please don't forget that phrags also need good air movement

Ed

[Fairorchids]

I have some 30-40 Phrags. For several years I had them standing in inverted lids from storage containers (= abt 1/2" of water). They were limping along at that time.

Two years ago, I moved them to plastic flats lined with plastic, about 1" deep. At the same time, I started drilling holes in the sides of the pots, about half way up (1 hole per side of a square pot). They did better.

8 months ago I increased the water depth to 2" (5 cm), and they are doing much better now - setting more new growths and maturing the growths faster.

About once a month I tip out the old water, and refill with fresh (well water).

And, we have 5 or 6 electric fans in the greenhouse (30' x 40'), so we do have good air circulation to go with the humidity.

[Leafmite]

This is some very good information. Thank you.

[phraggy]

If you use RO water remember it's dead water and contains nothing but water molecules, Now I don't know
if this is OK to leach with --- does anyone know any better because I would be interested with positive replies.

Ed

[wintergirl]

My phrag was in bloom Oct 2015 when I got it. It has just now bloomed again. Sitting in clean rain water and maybe lightly fertilized once.
Phragmipedium Hat Creek (hartwegii var. baderi x fischeri)

[No-Pro-mwa]

Really pretty one. How big is the bloom?

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

Really pretty one. How big is the bloom?

Thanks

Small plant and small bloom. It's 3 inches wide and 2.5 inches long.

[Lady Meera]

So my Grande is about to open and it doesn't look like it will have long petals like it is supposed to. In fact, it doesn't look like any of the photos I see online for Phrag Grande. Do they continue to grow after the bud opens or do I need to call and complain? I spent a lot of money on this plant.

[Lady Meera]

Here is a another photo. It is looking down into the opening bud.

[wintergirl]

Cool! Can't wait to see it!