Favorite Orchids - Phragmipedium

General Description

Phragmipediums are other types of slipper orchids, but these hail from Central and South America. These relatives of the Asian slipper orchids are indigenous to the mountainous areas in Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Bolivia, Brazil, and as far north as southern Mexico. This genus was founded in 1896 when botanist Robert Rolfe separated these orchids from Cypripediums, another slipper orchid genus. This genus takes its name from the Greek words phragma, meaning fence, and pedilon, meaning slipper, in reference to the fence-like division of the ovary and the slipper-shaped lip.

These orchids have a sympodial growth habit. They are either epiphytic or terrestrial and the majority of these grow in elevations between 1,300-7,200 feet (400 to 2,200 meters). Similar to other slipper orchids, Phragmipediums form tight fans instead of pseudobulbs. Each fan can carry up to eight rich dark green leaves that are long and flat with a leathery texture. The leaves can be as long as 3 feet (92 cm.) and as wide as two inches (5 cm.) During blooming season, inflorescences emerge from the leaves. These spikes can measure up to 3 feet (92 cm.) long and bear up to 15 flowers in a sequential pattern.

Phragmipediums are rapidly growing orchids that produce complex but uniquely amazing blooms. Many flowers are long and hanging, and in some cases, may measure up to 30 inches (76 cm.) from the tip of the dorsal sepal to the tip of lateral petal. In these orchids, the lateral petals are tail-like, long, narrow, twisted and often dangling. This "mustache" look is perhaps the reason why some people call this genus the "Mandarin" orchids. The flowers also have a shield-like staminode, a 3-locular ovary, and a large pouch-like lip that is curved inwards. The column in the center of the flower is often covered with fine hairs, giving the center a unique, furry look. The flowers usually come in shades of green and brown which may sometimes be accented with stripes or yellow and purple markings. Some varieties come in bright red, pink, orange, red, and magenta.

The Phragmipedium genus is a small group of orchids, comprised of only about 30 species, a few varietal forms and one natural hybrid. The popular species include P. boissierianum, P. caudatum, P. longifolium, P. sargentianum, and the recently discovered P. kovachii. These species have also contributed to a number of excellent hybrids that are increasingly becoming popular. These newer hybrids tend to be more vigorous and easy growing, plus they are available in a broader range of colors compared to most of the species.

Phragmipediums used to be expensive plants. Fortunately, Hawaiian growers have perfected the culture of these orchids and have made them commercially available as blooming size plants. Now the cost of Phragmipediums is very reasonable so that more people are able to enjoy and grow these orchids in their homes.

Cultural Information

Orchids belonging to this genus, although very similar to their Asian relatives, differ somewhat from Paphiopedilums in terms of their cultural requirements. In general, they have the same humidity and temperature needs, but they like to be wetter than Paphiopedilums. In addition, they prefer more light, just like the Cattleyas.

High light levels are ideal for best growing and blooming results. The ideal amount of sunshine is about four hours on a south or west-facing windowsill. Under lights, they will do well about 15 to 30 cm. below an eight-tube fluorescent fixture, or under an HID sodium or metal halide lamp. The amount of light should be at the brightest possible level without burning the leaves. This level of higher light intensity will produce more colorful flowers. You can tell if the leaves are prone to leaf burn by feeling them during the brightest time of the day. If they feel hot, then they are in danger of burning. To prevent burning, increase the air circulation or reduce the light.

These orchids like intermediate temperatures. Avoid extreme temperatures, that is, lower than 55°F (13°C) on winter nights and higher than 90°F (32°C) on summer days. Ensure that the nighttime temperatures are cooler by at least 15°F (8°C) than daytime temperatures to promote flower formation.

Unlike many other orchids, Phragmipediums need to be kept constantly moist especially during active growth. In fact, these orchids are commonly grown in a shallow platter of fresh water (filled about.5 in. (1 cm.) deep). In their natural habitats, these orchids grow by streams so their roots are soaked during active growth. Use distilled water or rainwater instead of tap water, if possible. When your Phragmipedium is not actively growing, you can let the roots dry out slightly before watering.

The recommended humidity level for these orchids is between 60% to 70%. If the humidity is lower, your Phragmipedium will still grow, although at a slower pace. If the humidity is too high, ensure that there is enough air circulation to prevent molding and rotting.

Weak but frequent fertilizing using a balanced formula is best for these orchids. During spring and summer, use one-eighth to one-quarter of the manufacturer recommend strength every week. During autumn and winter, reduce the frequency to every two weeks. Leach or wash your plants' media thoroughly with water regularly to prevent fertilizer salt buildups that can harm your orchids' roots.

When choosing a potting medium, select a fine mixture that retains water well. Fir bark mixed with chunks of charcoal, sphagnum moss or perlite will work well. Since the potting medium is constantly damp, it breaks down more quickly than the rapidly draining ones. Hence, more frequent repotting is necessary. This is usually once a year as new growths start.

Mature Phragmipediums reward the grower with larger flower sizes and brighter colors than first-bloom seedlings. As such, you should not repeatedly divide your Phragmipediums. You should allow them to grow as a large plant in a decent-size pot. To encourage blooming, apply weak doses of fertilizer and, if necessary, higher temperatures, more water, and/or brighter light. The flowers of these plants will naturally fall off the spikes before they wilt.

Michael Anderson is co-author with Steve Frowine (author of four orchid books including the Orchid title of a well known series) of the web site, UncutOrchids.com. For a free, 40-part video course on orchid care, click now on this URL: UncutOrchids.com [http://UncutOrchids.com]. Michael lives in the enchanting town of Guanajuato, Mexico, where he also offers Guanajuato houses.

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