Phrag Question - Orchid Board

tuvoc · #1 12-28-2008, 01:21 PM

I'm brand new to these guys, so I thought I'd ask here. How long do individual blossoms normally last? My Eric Young lasted about 12 days, and Estelle Getty, about two weeks. They both looked very fresh, and then overnight dropped of the stem. The stems are still growing and producing buds. Is this normal? The pic below is the flower I found this morning, lying on my table, but looking fresh as ever. Thanks

Kim

dounoharm · #2 12-28-2008, 01:42 PM

yes they drop like that, beautiful still and suddenly dropped...but the next bud will open and you will have more, right now i have one that has had 22 flowers and the stem is over 4 feet tall! phrags are great plants! my flowers only last a week and a half, so yours are doing very well...mine is a cross of sorcerers apprentice x besseae.

tuvoc · #3 12-28-2008, 02:04 PM

Thanks for the info, and encouragement. I'm really starting to love these guys. I see many more in my collection!

Kim

whygreenberg · #4 12-28-2008, 02:06 PM

Yep, it's true. The blooms look fantastic, and suddenly just drop off, still looking fantastic. I assume that's a bloom from your Estelle Getty? Gorgeous!! I really love the pink Phrags.

kavanaru · #5 12-28-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuvoc

I'm brand new to these guys, so I thought I'd ask here. How long do individual blossoms normally last? My Eric Young lasted about 12 days, and Estelle Getty, about two weeks. They both looked very fresh, and then overnight dropped of the stem. The stems are still growing and producing buds. Is this normal? The pic below is the flower I found this morning, lying on my table, but looking fresh as ever. Thanks

Kim

Well. I think you are just meeting the dark side of Phragmies.... gorgeous blossoms, that just drop off like that from one day to the other... but in few days you should have a new flower opening

maitaman · #6 12-29-2008, 10:30 AM

Here in nature they will drop if there is a sudden temperature or water change. They will bloom continuously on a spike for months.

Jerry Delaney · #7 12-30-2008, 01:37 AM

Kim,
As all have pointed out, it is perfectly normal for the flowers to drop when still in good condition. I have had some that have been in flower almost continusly for about a year and a half until I cut the inflorescence when they hit the ceiling of the green house. I knew a hobbiest who took one of his Phrags from Kansas City,MO all the way to St. Louis for AOS judging. As he went over the curb to enter Shaw Gardens, the flower suddenly fell off!! A very frustrated and unhappy grower and who could blame him!

Lagoon · #8 12-30-2008, 08:59 AM

Kim,

Its part of the shock value of phrags, I still can't get use to it.
Its' like.... why you on the floor you look healthy and beautiful?!

I haven't check the grow room yet, But I'm pretty sure something will be waiting for me on the floor today or tomorrow.
Like everyone said already ... Its normal, enjoy you're beautiful blooms. I love the way it twists. The color is wonderful!!

tuvoc · #9 12-30-2008, 11:39 AM

Thanks to everyone for all the info and warnings (the dark side of Phragmies).My Eric Young actually had two perfect blooms at the same time, for about a day, before the first one headed south. Wish I had snapped a pic of it, it was really cool. Anyway, as I said, I'm officialy hooked big time. This is fun!

Kim