ORCHID CULTURE

Phragmipedium

The genus Phragmipedium extends from southern Mexico (Mexipedium xerophyticum) to Bolivia and Brazil. Species range from the high altitudes of the Andes to the lower steaming rainforests of Ecuador and Peru. The one common theme that ties all species together (from a cultivation standpoint) is their intolerance of poor quality water.

Water

The most critical factor for phragmipediums is water, both in the quantity and the quality. Phragmipediums are generally found on mountain slopes with constant water seepage at the root zone. Phragmipediums have also been found with their root systems totally submerged in water! This environment should indicate to the grower that Phrags like two things: wet feet and clean water. It is literally impossible to overwater your Phragmipedium, as long as you provide good air movement and the potting media remains fresh (see Potting Media).

Phrags like to be watered frequently and should never be allowed to dry out completely. If it is necessary to leave for a long period of time, simply set the pot in a saucer of water to provide the moisture the plant needs while away. Simply put, keep the feet of phragmipediums wet!

The type of water used is very important. Phragmipediums are quite sensitive to salt in their water. Salt can be anything from fertilizer to various chemicals used to treat the water in your local municipality. Phrags are quick to respond to high salt levels by leaf tip browning and general die back. The ideal type of water is either rain water or reverse osmosis (RO) water. Some city water is acceptable, as long as the salt levels are under 150 ppm. Caution Never use softened water! Fertilization should also be kept to a minimum; at most, 1/4 the recommended strength on the label. The type of fertilizer itself doesn't really make much difference, but phragmipediums are very light feeders, as would be expected from their natural environment. So... when in doubt, water but don't fertilize!

Light

Most of the Phragmipediums like fairly bright light levels, such as a bright windowsill or slightly less than Cattleya light levels. The leaves should remain a medium green. There is an exception to this rule, Phragmipedium besseae and its hybrids. These Phragmipediums should be grown in lower light levels more like Phalaenopsis or a windowsill with indirect sunlight. As with all plants, the leaves should always feel cool to the touch. If the plant's leaves start to feel warm, back off on the light level!

Temperature

Phragmipediums enjoy temperatures in the intermediate range with day temperatures from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees. A good rule of thumb for the intermediate house, if it feels comfortable, it is comfortable for the plants!

Humidity

Phragmipediums love humidity along with wet feet! Most Phragmipediums experience humidity levels between 60 and 90%! Along with these humidity levels, good air movement is critical. When plants are allowed to grow in high humidity with little air movement, the plants will be very susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots! Another good rule of thumb is to always increase air movement when humidity levels increase!

Potting Media

Phragmipediums need to be potted in a media that retains moisture and provides good air circulation to the root zone. OrchidMania pots all of their phragmipediums in a mix of fine fir bark, sponge rock (perlite), and charcoal. The key to the media is keeping it fresh. Phragmipediums should be repotted every year. By keeping the media fresh, one ensures that there is good air circulation to the root zone, which will prevent root loss.

Dividing Large Plants

Phragmipediums should not be divided unless they naturally divide or can be divided into clumps with at least three growths. Smaller divisions take much longer to re-establish themselves and re-bloom. When phragmipediums are grown to specimen size, they bloom regularly and often produce both larger numbers of flowers, as well as physically larger flowers.

Overall, Phragmipediums are very easy to grow. They often tolerate conditions outside recommended levels (with the exception of water quality). If your phragmipediums are given plenty of high-quality water, the other conditions can be stretched. However, ideal growth will be reached when all cultural factors are dealt with optimally! Phragmipediums are some of the best plants for beginners and long time growers as well.