Thread: Phragmipediums
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Old 07-04-2007, 07:55 PM
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For as much as I love Paphs, I love Phrags even more. Unfortunately they are very hard to come by here in Australia.

Phrags some from Central and South America where they grow on water-drenched cliffs and along stream beds. In the wild most varieties grow with their roots constantly bathed in water (as if trickles down the cliff or as their roots are below the waterline of a stream). They also grow in very exposed areas, meaning quite high light. When I lived in the US I grew about 70 varieties both hybrids and species. Medium to high light is recommended. All of my species and hybrids grew and bloomed well in an East window (medium light) except for my caudatum types which grew and bloomed in a south window. All of my besseae and schlimii hybrids grew and bloomed in the East window.

All of my Phrags were (and those i have here are) potted in the same moisture retentive mix I use for Paphs: medium-size bark, perilite, and charcoal, chopped sphagnum, peat, and if I have it, coarse sand and shredded oak leaves.

Because of their habitat Phrags like lots and lots of fresh water. All of my Phrags, except for the caudatum-types sit in saucers of water. i pot them in tall slender pots (some folks grow them in 2-litre plastic soda bottles with the tops cut off and holes put in the bottom) as the roots like to grow down into the water.

Phrags like intermediate temps but can tolerate as low as 55F winter nights.

One of the best websited for Phrag info is www.phragweb.info.
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