What's a Good Phrag for a Novice

[quiltergal]

I've never grown Paphs or Phrags before but have been pretty successful with most Phals. From what I've read they should do well in conditions similar to what Phals like. I really like Phrags (particulary fond of besseae, but am not sure if it's a good beginner plant) and would like a recommendation for someone like me. I'm a windowsill grower. Don't have the $$ for a greenhouse and no space for an orchidarium. I'll be experimenting with s/h cultivation, and if it goes well I'll probably switch most of my plants over to that method. Thanks in advance. I appreciate all the great info I've garnered from you folks in the 2 weeks I've been here.

[KEGinMichigan]

Hi Terri,

Try Phrag Hanne Popow or Sedenii.

It's been my experience that most phrags need more than phal light to bloom. When I first attempted to grow phrags, I grew them in lower light and they did not bloom. A friend who is a very successful phrag grower told me to give them more light, ~cattleya light requirements or higher. Since I've started giving them more light, I've been more successful at getting mine to bloom.

Kev

[Ironwood]

Phragmipedium Eric Young - (besseae x longifolium), my first phrag, bloomed for me this winter with no special treatment, phal conditions.

[quiltergal]

Thanks so much for the recommendations. I like all of them! Now to choose.

[Marco]

i have a phrag sunset glow, my only phrag that i got from goreorchids.com thats growing like a weed. it actually has a new growth sprouting out so im very very happy with it!

[Toddybear]

Phrag. Andean Fire bloomed for me right next to my Phals. I just water it twice a week and presto!

[justatypn]

Phags are the slowest of orchids to grow but will become very happy when acclimated into your enviroment. I was unsure of paph's with my collection and had my first one bloom "again" makes one want more and more I keep mine next to my phals. low/med light water weekly with daily misting, fertilize weak-weekly. Don't get me wrong there are some that are real buggers to keep happy, but that sounds like society and co-worker conditions to me..no difference. We do have a members that are extremely well versed in paph's, hopefully you will be able to narrow you choices after they chime in...

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[dave b]

Phrags are the greatest. As with many orchids, phrags will get what is called hybrid vigor. Meaning, the hybrids are more forgiving, grow faster, easier...etc. The Bessea hybrids are all nice, grow well, and of course, have the red base. There are many others that have more greens and browns. I really like Grande (longifolium x caudatum) and Sorcerer's Apprentice (longifolium x sargentianum).

Intermediate conditions suit most. They do like more light than phals, and will need it to bloom. I grow mine outside in the summer, under the shade of trees where they still get dappled sun, and sometimes more direct in the morning and late evening. They are in south facing windows in the winter.

I water mine a lot. They love it, and need it. Every day if its warm, dry, and windy. Every couple days if its cloudy cool and wet. I will sometimes set the pots in saucers of water too. But, its important to keep the water clean. Draws mosquitoes too.

If you go with bark mixes, its best to repot at least once a year, due to the rapid breakdown of the media under the wet conditions (salt build up too).

I have one hybrid in s/h for experimentation. Its doing OK. My Sorcerer's Apprentice is my favorite. Its been in a Phal type bark mix (bark, perlite, charcoal, peat) for 2 years and growing like a weed. I will never switch it to s/h.

If it aint broke, dont fix it.

[quiltergal]

Since I'm partial to red flowers I think a besseae hybrid is the way to go for me. Now to pick just one. They're all so beautiful.

I'm using coco husk chunks/perlite/charcoal in a 4/1/1 ratio. Everything I've repotted in that mix is doing very well. I plan to switch a couple of plants that need repotting over to s/h and wait 6 months to a year before making a final decision on the rest of my plants. There certainly is value in the if it's not broke don't fix it philosophy.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

[ScottMcC]

It's not red, but Phrag longifolium is about the easiest to grow of the phrags. Mine also spent about 4 months in bloom.

Phrag La Vivace Epicure Phyllis D Turner is quite easy to grow too, and mine has been in bloom since November. Plus it's named after my aunt, so I like that. But it's not red either.