My first phrag (ecuadorense)

[pale blue]

So I just ordered an ecuadorense, I have so many paphs but always stayed away from phrags because of their size.

I read on another forum this would be a decent beginner plant since it's relatively small in size and fairly easy to grow. I wanted a bessae but I'll work my way up to that if I have success with this one.

Any tips on growing this beauty? Like do phrags like to be more pot bound or medium choices? Or should I just grow it like most of my paphs and just water it slightly more often?

[SP2340]

I wish I could help but all I know about them is like the to be kept moist and in lower light. Good luck!

[kavanaru]

Megan,

Phrag ecuadorense is also considered as synonim of
Phragmipedium pearcei var. ecuadorense. Authors are not unified whether it has enough own characteristics to be considered as a separate species or not. Anyway, both Phrag. pearcei and Phrag. ecuadorense should have similar growing conditions: Catt light, fresh water (rain or RO preferred!), weak fertilizer every couple of weeks and a thorough flush of water once a month or so... My experience with Phrags (do not have this especies) is that they love S/H!!

You can obtain some more info here:
PhragWeb - Phragmipedium - Species - Display Species.
Phragmipedium pearcei
Orchid of the Week Library: Phrag. pearcei
IOSPE PHOTOS

[pale blue]

Thanks Ramon, a lot of helpful information there! I did not know it was also classified as pearci which may have been why I was having trouble finding vendors that sold it

I'm not used to S/H, I do have a mix labeled for phrags which I use on some of my paphs that's pretty quick draining but holds moisture due to the chopped sphagnum in it. I was going to try that first, if it pouts then I'll look towards other options.

One interesting thing I did read was "History : Locally the plants of this species are boiled and used against stomach problems." Maybe this is better than ginger or pepto..?

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by pale blue

"History : Locally the plants of this species are boiled and used against stomach problems." Maybe this is better than ginger or pepto..?

[Jorch]

This species LOVES LOVES LOVES water. If you don't grow in S/H, just sit the pot in an inch of water.

[pale blue]

Thanks for the advice! I'll look and order some s/h supplies today, and in the meantime will practically water the heck out of it lol

[Brooke]

I grew my pearcii in s/h and have moved it back to my regular Phrag mix. It did not do well. I grow it sitting in a saucer of water.

Brooke

[pale blue]

Originally Posted by brooke

I grew my pearcii in s/h and have moved it back to my regular Phrag mix. It did not do well. I grow it sitting in a saucer of water.

Brooke

Thanks for the heads up! I was going to try it in a mix first with the saucer and see how it went from there.

[smartie2000]

Yup I put mine in a tray of water potted in sphagnum moss. Don't dry out this species.

Infact now mine is in a glass vase with no drainage holes.