paph vs phrag

[dendro photo]

what is the differance between a paph and a phrag? do they have the same requirements?

[RosieC]

Well they are different genuses within the Cypripedium Alliance. I believe one comes from the American continent and the other from the Aisian one but I could be wrong on that.

Phrags like wet feet far more than Paphs. Paph roots rot very easily if kept to damp in my experience where Paphs are meant to prefer it (but still need airy medium).

I keep mine in very similar enviroments apart from that but I'm new to Phrags so not yet sure how they are doing for me.

[Darin]

Both these genera are from the Cypripedium alliance. The Paphiopedilum are from Asia and the Phragmipedium are from South America with a possible excursion into southern Central America.

Generally they can be kept together in a mixed collection though Phrags like to be a bit wetter than Paphs, but that is a great generalization of a large group of species and hybrids each with their own preferred light, temperature and moisture requirements.You must tailor your growing conditions to what best suits your individual plants.

[pedidiva]

[COLOR=BLUE"]Thanks--I always wondered the same thng myself.[/COLOR]

[Louis_W]

Here is how it breaks down taxanomically:

Subfamily: Cypripedoideae

Tribe: Cyprepediinae
Subtribe: Cyprepedium (Temperate North Hemisphere)
Genus: Cyprepedium (about 47 species)
Subtribe: Paphiopedilinae (Southern Asia and the Pacific Islands)
Genus:Paphiopedilum (about 80 specied)

Tribe: Mexipedieae
Subtribe:Mexipediinae (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Genus: Mexipedium (1 species)

Tribe: Phragmipedieae
Subtribe: Phragmipediinae (South America through Mexico)
Genus: Phragmipedium (about 20 species)

Tribe: Selenipedineae
Subtribe: Selenipediinae (Central and South America)
Genus: Selenipedium (6 species)

I thought that might be interesting because I was surprised when I found out that there were more genus of "slipper orchids" than just Phrag. and Paph.
Most of the info comes from Wikipedia so there may be changes but that should give you a basic idea (you didn't think this came off the top of my head did you?!). Check out the Mexipedium xerophyticum. That is a really cool one.

Here is a basic hint I learned to distinguish them: most Paphs have a pouch (lip) which is not turned inward at the rim, while Phrags, Cyprepidiums, and a few paphs (Its not flawless) do have the rim of their pouch turned inward. So, if it isnt turned inward its a Paph. You will learn to tell them apart eventually but that should get you started.

Cultivation cannot be generalized for Phrags because there are some species which grow in marsh-like conditions and some who grow drier. Paph culture is often generalized but there is variation within the genus as well so I would read up on whichever species you have for best results.

[pedidiva]

Thanks

[RosieC]

Great info Louis!

Don't forget that Cypripedium itself comes into that subfamily as well I think that originates in Europe and North America. There is certainly one or more native to the UK and another is named after kentucky. I can grow these ones in my garden, a really lovely slipper orchid

Originally Posted by Louis_W

I thought that might be interesting because I was surprised when I found out that there were more genus of "slipper orchids" than just Phrag. and Paph.