Phrag bessae "Wings of fire"

[Milda]

Here is my bessae. It's a tiny plant, but as far as I can see an easy orchid to grow. It is the second year it flowers. Do anybody know if bessae's will grow more than one new growth at the same time?



Milda

[esungirl]

Milda-
I have a P.Besseae I bought in bloom, and it grew one new growth after blooming each time for 2 years. This year it bloomed for a bit but then got some sort of rot or bast and the last bloom didn't make it. After that both the blooming growth and the old growth shot out 2 new growths each, the old one tried for 3 but didn't make it. What I don't know is, if putting all this energy into 4 growths will prevent it form blooming this year. So yes, they can shoot out more than one new growth at a time, it might just cost the plant the loss of a bloom cycle. Does any know about this?
Erin

[Mahon]

Milda,

Yes, it is very possible for a Phrag. besseae too shoot out two new growths from a single growth. Your plant looks almost like a small first-flowering seedling, as there is only a single flower for that spike. If your plant is in fact on it's second year, then your conditions may be off... what is your temperature and light conditions for this one? How often do you water it?

Nice flower though!

-Pat

[Mahon]

Erin,

If your plant is kicking out all those growths, try giving the plant a little more sun and water... I am unsure if your plant will bloom in the correct season, as it depends on your last blooming time and how large the growths are...

-Pat

[justatypn]

Wow, Milda what a lovely flower...adding this one to my want list.

[Wendy]

Very nice Milda. Besseae can produce more than one growth as Patrick stated. They are pretty vigorous plants when happy.

[Phantasm]

Phrag besseae can easily grow into a large clump over time. The stoloniferous growth habit can be a challenge as they want to grow up the cliff! I have seen several plants with many growths, but they have been around for quite a while.