Native to Central and South America, the gorgeous Phragmipedium orchids closely resemble the northern hemisphere’s Lady Slipper orchids. Approximately twenty species of these orchids are grown in these areas and in south west Mexico. This is one of the easiest orchids to keep as a house plant and one of my favorites. A genus of the Orchidaceae, it is comprised of the Phragmipedieae tribe and the Pragmipediinae sub tribe of orchids. Derived from the Green words phragman which means “division” and pedium which means “slipper,” this orchid plant has more than twenty species and there actually could be more. Abbreviated as Phrag in the trade, the actual number of species is still being discussed among orchid specialists.

Discovered in Peru in 1981 by Elizabeth Locke Besse, the site was soon plundered and destroyed by greedy orchid hunters. They are considered to be among the endangered species. Fortunately, seed was preserved so that the plant is not extinct. Most of the Phragmipedium species are terrestrial, epiphytic or lithophytic in their natural habitat. They have unique shield-like staminodes, long petals that look like moustaches and a large pouch-like lip that is curved inwards. The leaves grow as long as 80 cm (45”) while the stems, which lack pseudobulbs that most other orchids have, grow to be about 80 cm (45”) high. The flowers can last up to several months and their lip-like pouches function by trapping insects that are forced to climb in and collect or deposit pollinia.

Although there is a yellow variety, the most common bloom is unusual because it has a bright, bright orange-red color, almost salmon red, unseen in any previous lady slipper orchid variety. It has narrow leaves that have an elliptic shape. Extensively hybridized, this orchid usually has up to seven 20 cm (7-8”) wide flowers that are successive. The plant keeps sending up new spikes that will produce one flower after another. The flowers actually fall off before they start to wilt and that makes room for the new flower. You should remove the spike stem after blooming is finished.

Phragmipedium orchids like moderately bright light with direct sunlight briefly during the non-summer months. In direct contrast to most other orchids, these like continuous moisture. You can place a tray beneath the pot and keep it filled with fresh water so that the roots soak it up from below. Be careful not to over-water, however, and never use softened water. Plants are sensitive to salts. Use medium fir bark and perlite or sphagnum moss because it breaks down faster with the constant moisture or charcoal and perlite. Repot once a year, after blooming. Follow your grower’s instructions and use a balanced fertilizer like equal parts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Give the plant a break and fertilize every second watering since they are light feeders and give them good air circulation.

Among the hybrids is Phragmipedium caudatum which is considered to be complex. In other words, it also contains several species based on differences of flower color and size. This particular orchid has a short stem and the cream colored flowers are laced with green stripes. The drooping petals are tinted red and are quite long, even reaching the soil. They grow on wet mossy hillsides.
The Phragmipedium lindleyanum forms rosettes including five long linear leaves that have a yellow margin and which reaches a length of 50 cm (20”). Its erect raceme can grow as much as 1 m (39”) high. The plant has many green with brown veined flowers and while the lip is yellow with red veins and sometimes has branches at the base.

Described in 1852 by H. G. Reichenbach and J. Warscewicz, the Phragmipedium longifolium has long leaves without the yellow margin which grows to a length of 60 cm (23”). The inflorescence can reach a length of 1m (39”) with about ten flowers that open in succession. Its long lateral petals are a purplish green and it has a rather small lip that is a green color.

Whichever hybrid you decide to cultivate, you can’t go wrong. They are so lovely and so rewarding to grow and have in your life. It helps that this one is among the easiest to grow.

The following video demonstrates Phragmipedium orchids in various colors.
Have fun with it!

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