Phragmipedium Schlimii - size & culture

[ladyslipper]

Hi all, I am interested in getting a Phragmipedium Schlimii and would like to have a good idea of the size of the plant (with spike/flowers) and if its difficult to grow. It would be sharing a light stand with Paphs (both species & hybrids) and Phals (both species & hybrids) with a few Episcias (African Violet relatives)

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

regards, m

[smartie2000]

I haven't bloomed mine yet but it is the smallest phrag in my collection. I would only expect the spike to be approx. a foot tall. And leaf span about a foot.

[gmdiaz]

Here's some cultural info at Gore Orchids Conservatory!

[Dorothy]

Here is the OB's species specific care sheet on Phrag schlimii - http://www.orchidboard.com/node/116

[wonderlen3000]

Try besseae and you will get a better luck with that plant. Prag. schlimii is one of the hardest to grow (more like keeping alive) species. Sometime the plant will just sit there and do nothing or sometime it will flower and die. It's also very sensitive to water quality, more so than besseae. Plant size is the same as besseae, but the leaves are smaller and narrower and it also have the running habit just like besseae. Although i heard the rhizome will grow a little short in higher light, as the plant will not throw out long growth to reach for the light. Just caution, schlimii 'Wilcox' clone is not pure species. Real species have flower the size of a nickel or so. Try Orchids Limited, for getting a more robust clone.