I posted this on another orchid forum that specialises in slippers and just thought I would let you know. After all the help and knowledge I have gained from the very friendly people here I don't know why I didn't just post here first. I think because the other forum has a lot of PK topics is why I made that decision.
After reading about the discovery of Phragmipedium kovachii on here and becoming fascinated by the intrigue and allure of this orchid I am thinking of purchasing one and was just wondering if I could run by you what I think it needs care wise?
So far I think I need to do the following.
Use expanded clay pellets/balls such as hydroton as the media. Provides good drainage and prevents root rot while maintaing moisture and providing a acid free ph neutral environment. Soak the expanded clay in distilled water for a week before use to get rid of any harsh chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Only water with distilled water two to three times per week. Never let dry out.
Fertilize with half stength orchid fertilizer three times a week. Every three months use dolomite and epsom salts. Unsure quantities. I found liquid dolomite at my local Bunnings plantstore, would this be ok to use?
Give low levels of bright diffused light while plant is small and young, increasing to brighter full sun when plant is larger.
I live in the city of Brisbane in Australia, where it gets pretty hot in summer but night temperatures I think should be alright temperature wise. In summer the temperatures rise to 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees fahrenheight). We seem to get about a 10 degree celsius(50 degree fahrenheight) temperature difference between summer day time and night time temperatures. Is this ok? I read on here that they can tolerate warmer temperatures and as Lima is at sea level they survive their ok where they are grown slightly warmer.
Here are my maximum and minimum for summer.
Brisbane weather - local weather forecast
Keep in a plastic pot and sit that inside a ceramic pot to keep the root system cool at all times.
I wanted to purchase a plant of wild origin( responsibly sourced the proper way of course) and saw a lot of very beautiful specimens that were of wild origin on this forum and then went looking for them in Australia.
I found a supplier here in Australia who sells flasks of PK, one plant per flask, and I was thinking of purchasing one plant from them. The type they sell is Phragmipedium kovachii 'Tupac Amaru' x 'Goliath'. I remember after seeing pictures of each of those individuals on here before discovering this 'cross' that they were two of the most beautiful and the thought of them being together in one plant is almost too much lol and I was lucky as this supplier only stocks this one particular type of PK and is the only place that I have found stocks PK in Australia. They assure me they are all responsibly sourced the correct way through the proper channels with all the legitimate paperwork and for me that is very important so I think I have really been lucky to come across this very responsible and ethical seller.
What are your thoughts? Am I on the right track. Any help would be great. I still have not purchased anything and am still undecided if I will. Thanks.
Phragmipedium kovachii as a houseplant
Linear Mode
