PHRAGMIPEDIUMS
This genus is composed of
around 22 species. All of them are prized by
slipper enthusiasts as worthy of culture.
Similar in growth and appearance to
their old world cousins the Paphiopedilums but they
are native to Central and South America.
Light.
Requiring more light than their relatives the Paphiopedilums, they will tolerate similar or
slightly less light to the Cattleya's and do
best when grown in light shade and airy
conditions.
The bessiae types need a little more
shade.
Temperature.
A winter minimum of 55 deg.
and a Summer high of the upper 70's suits them
best, with a variation between night and daytime
temperatures of around 5/10 deg.
Watering and
feeding.
Never let these plants dry out totally,
in summer when it is warm in our experience they
do not seem to suffer when left standing in a
little water for a day or two between watering,
although they should have dried out a little before the next application of water.
In Winter
normally water once a week, but if it is very
dull and the air is damp perhaps leave them a
little longer. Feed very lightly every other
week. Overfeeding can result in leaf tip burn.
Composts.
There are several mixtures to suit
different growing conditions and types. Young
plants may do well when grown in a mix of
sphagnum moss and foam. Smaller growing types
such as Hertzii or slightly older plants seem to
prefer a mix of small bark, perlite and a little
wettable rockwool roughly 40/10/40. Large plants
mat be potted in either pure rockwool if they
are already doing well in that when aquired but
also seem happy in a lump peat and foam mix: Watering
tips for rockwool, as rockwool can appear
deceptively dry on the surface, shove a little
stick into it and leave it there, when you wish
to know if the plant wants watering, remove the
stick and feel it for dampness; after awhile
you get to know the weight of the plant before
and after watering. Pure rockwool can over time
become very solid, and make re potting more
difficult.
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