Photo by Michael Kovach, the discoverer of this plant, which is named in his honor.

at right: Phragmipedium kovachii

Phragmipedium Rolfe 1896

Pronounced frag-muh-PEE-dee-um

Published in: Orchid Review 4: 330. 1896.
{Orchid Rev. ; BPH 689.14}

A neotropical genus of over 30 lithoterrestrial and rarely epiphytic species, commonly referred to as "New World slipper orchids" (as opposed to the Old World slipper orchids, Paphiopedilum). The majority of Phragmipedium spp. exhibit somewhat dully colored, earth-toned flowers, though many possess exceptionally long petals and their large saccate lips may be splashed or dotted with purples or reds. Their large size makes them attractive to growers. Additionally, a couple notable exceptions to the general theme of dull colors can dazzle the onlooker with bright reds, yellows, or deep pinks. The newly discovered (first published in June 2002) species Phragmipedium kovachii, shown at right, is deep fuschia in color and as large as a human hand! It is simply amazing that such a marvelously colorful and beautiful organism went undiscovered until the 21st century and illustrates more than ever the need to protect tropical habitats worldwide so that treasures like this are not lost forever (before they are even identified) due to overdevelopment or other indiscriminant land transformation for human use.

Many Phragmipedium (usually referred to by growers as simply "Phrags") dwell high in the Andes and thrive under cool conditions. Several others are found at much lower elevations and do better under an intermediate to warm regimen. All require excellent air movement and very clean water (rain, RO, or distilled). A number of species grow in distinctly swampy locales or partially submerged at stream edges; these generally do best with "wet feet," meaning their pots should be set in several inches of clean water (a cultural regimen referred to as "semi-hydro").

Since their natural streams often run through peaty bogs and can be quite acidic, you should strive to offer water that is below 6.5 pH. Adding peat to the bark mixture can help to bring down the pH for these acidophilic plants. See each species' description page for some culture recommendations for that species, but you'll do better for cultural information by buying The Slipper Orchids by Catherine Cash. If you love Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium, you'll love this book.

Species denoted with a have images available with the description.

besseae	boissierianum	cajamarcae	caricinum	caudatum
christiansenianum	czerwiakowianum	dalessandroi	dariense	ecuadorense
exstaminodium	fischeri	hartwegii	hincksianum	hirtzii
humboldtii	haieteurum	klotschianum	kovachii NEW!	lindenii
lindleyanum	longifolium	pearcei	reticulatum	roezlii
sargentianum	schlimii	vittatum	wallisii	warscewiczianum
X piedadae	xerophyticum See Mexipedium