Phragmipedium kovachii as a houseplant
 

:blushing:I posted this on another orchid forum that specialises in slippers and just thought I would let you know. After all the help and knowledge I have gained from the very friendly people here I don't know why I didn't just post here first. I think because the other forum has a lot of PK topics is why I made that decision.

After reading about the discovery of Phragmipedium kovachii on here and becoming fascinated by the intrigue and allure of this orchid I am thinking of purchasing one and was just wondering if I could run by you what I think it needs care wise?

So far I think I need to do the following.

Use expanded clay pellets/balls such as hydroton as the media. Provides good drainage and prevents root rot while maintaing moisture and providing a acid free ph neutral environment. Soak the expanded clay in distilled water for a week before use to get rid of any harsh chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

Only water with distilled water two to three times per week. Never let dry out.

Fertilize with half stength orchid fertilizer three times a week. Every three months use dolomite and epsom salts. Unsure quantities. I found liquid dolomite at my local Bunnings plantstore, would this be ok to use?

Give low levels of bright diffused light while plant is small and young, increasing to brighter full sun when plant is larger.

I live in the city of Brisbane in Australia, where it gets pretty hot in summer but night temperatures I think should be alright temperature wise. In summer the temperatures rise to 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees fahrenheight). We seem to get about a 10 degree celsius(50 degree fahrenheight) temperature difference between summer day time and night time temperatures. Is this ok? I read on here that they can tolerate warmer temperatures and as Lima is at sea level they survive their ok where they are grown slightly warmer.

Here are my maximum and minimum for summer. Brisbane weather - local weather forecast

Keep in a plastic pot and sit that inside a ceramic pot to keep the root system cool at all times.

I wanted to purchase a plant of wild origin( responsibly sourced the proper way of course) and saw a lot of very beautiful specimens that were of wild origin on this forum and then went looking for them in Australia.

I found a supplier here in Australia who sells flasks of PK, one plant per flask, and I was thinking of purchasing one plant from them. The type they sell is Phragmipedium kovachii 'Tupac Amaru' x 'Goliath'. I remember after seeing pictures of each of those individuals on here before discovering this 'cross' that they were two of the most beautiful and the thought of them being together in one plant is almost too much lol and I was lucky as this supplier only stocks this one particular type of PK and is the only place that I have found stocks PK in Australia. They assure me they are all responsibly sourced the correct way through the proper channels with all the legitimate paperwork and for me that is very important so I think I have really been lucky to come across this very responsible and ethical seller.

What are your thoughts? Am I on the right track. Any help would be great. I still have not purchased anything and am still undecided if I will. Thanks.

I dream of owning one of these as well. It looks like you are going to be successful with it.

Orchidweb youtube channel has a couple of care vids that might be helpful if you havent seen them already.

Cant wait to see your new flaskling :)

this website seems to have specific detail..........and seems to be in Peru, a kovachii habitat. Always a good sign :D

aboutus.jpg


I have never grown kovachii as its requirements and culture are "difficult" ( I've been told ) - Good Luck !
I have a phrag ( Schroderae ) and its easy !


interesting trivia
State: Controversy over orchid settled with guilty plea

From what I have learned about phrags, everything you have mentioned sounds good. The only thing I'm not sure of is fertilizing. Most phrags need much less fertilizer and are sensitive to it. I would love to get a Kovachii. They are very impressive. Good luck. I have 2 phrags, one of then is in s/h in lava rock. It loves it and I plan the put the other one in it when it is ready to transplant.

I only have two phrags and I don't have Kovachii but I question your intention to fertilize three times a week. Phrags need very little fertilizer.

Oh maybe it's conditions are too specific to be grown as a houseplant. Perhaps it is more a greenhouse plant.

Someone on another forum mentioned by giving them distilled water you leach minerals out of the plant. That was the reason behind the high fertilizer thinking but now I know this new information may only fertilize once a week.

I'm new to the hobby and maybe growing a orchid with such specific needs is not a good first plant.

Thankyou for the links, I love reading all that stuff. I have a copy of "The Scent of Scandal" on it's way and am looking forward to reading it.

This would be your first orchid and you intend on raising it from flask? I salute you sir.

I would even fertilize less than that, say every 2 to 3 weeks. Mine didn't really do well until I cut back on the fertilizer. If you can get R/O water, it might be better than distilled.

Lol daunting I know! I inquired about potted plants but the seller doesn't actually grow PK themselves, they only propagate it in flasks for sale. One good thing about this is though if it survives it will be used to the expanded clay and should thrive in it.

Thankyou for this information! It seems PK likes nutrient deficient soil. I had no idea about the specific amount to fertilize so this information has been really helpful. Another PK grower on another forum told me the same thing and to fertilize 1/10th strength multiple times per week or 1/2 strength once every 2 months if this helps with specific quantities as I am clueless about them lol.

Regarding the water is their a difference between R/O( Reverse Osmosis?) and distilled? Do you think distilled would work anyway? My main reason for trying PK was I think it would be very rewarding for a lower cost compared to my last hobby which was those Aibo robots.

I'm thinking of selling my Aibo and using the money towards orchids and more practical things. For now I want to try and keep the cost down and just try growing as a houseplant.

The only thing I am unsure of now is the amount of dolomite and epsom salts to use. Sorry for all these questions. What would you reccommend from your experience with PK? I thought I should ask instead of just guessing later lol.

Here's a link to the Kovachii page at Piping Rock Orchids which is a high quality paph and phrag vendor. On the top third of the page are links to two articles on Kovachii. One from Orchid Digest and one AOS bulletin. On page 11 of the Orchid Digest article you'll find some culture information.

Phragmipedium kovachii & Hybrids