Phragmipedium

 They are Terrestrial, Epiphytic or Lithophytic 

Lady Slippers from the Central and South Americas are called Phragmipedium . Similar to Paphiopedilum except its leaves are more grasslike with larger, more linear-lanceolate leaves held nearly erect.. Generally, they prefer damp to wet acid substrate and acidic water, at a pH as low as 5-6 with higher level of nutrients and they prefer a slightly medium to high ligh intensity to promote flowering . Phragmipedium will do well when the plants are repotted every 6 months / yearly .

Light & Water

Most Phrags require more light than Phalaenopsis or Paphiopedilums (2400 to 3000 ft.candles). However, plants like besseae, pearcei and ecuadorense will do well in diminished light. Some Phrags like caudatum can take stronger light as for Cattleyas. east or south window exposures work best. P.L. Lights are an excellent artificial light source for Phragmipedilums.Phrags like clean water such as rain water, distilled, or reverse osmosis (R.O.) system water. Almost all of the Phrags in nature grow slightly on the acid side with a pH ranging from 5.5 and lower. Municipal well water usually has limestone added to prevent pipeline corrosion. If the pH of the city water is 7.5 or lower, the following Phrags will do O.K. potted in bark/peat mix: Phrag. caudatum, wallisii, lindenii, pearcei, Mexipedium xerophyticum, longifolium ecuadorense and amazonicum. Phrag. boisserianum and besseae require clean water to do best. Water should be applied copiously as the plant approaches dryness. do not let these plants become totally dry at the roots between watering! If in doubt: water. plants which like somewhat drier conditions at the roots include caudatum, lindenii, wallisii, and mexipedium xerophyticum.

Temperature & Humidity

Phrags generally require intermediate temperatures with days in the 70 - 80 f (22- 28 c )and nights in the upper 50- 60 f (10-16 c ). Some Phrags like longifolium, sargentianum, pearcei, ecuadorense and hirtzii will tolerate slightly warmer temperatures. One problem that seems to occur during the summer is a soft, brown bacterial rot that appears at the base of the leaves. when you see this, carefully pull these infected leaves off and treat the plant with a bactericide such as Phyton-27 or agri-strep or streptomycin grow in 60% to 80% humidity. Some phrags, like caudatum, can take humidity down to 40% in nature during the dry season, but the roots are always moist and the nighttime humidity is high. We offer the humidity tray and an ultra sonic fogger to help increase humidity. 

 Feeding & Repotting

For tap or well water, use 1/2 CC 12-6-6 of  1 Litre of water. water (well water), rain water, distilled, or R.O. water. when using rain, distilled or R.O. water, add back in 5-10% of your hard water to provide calcium and magnesium. feed more heavily in spring and summer, less in fall and winter. Feed every second or third watering in summer at full strength and every fourth or fifth during the winter months.Phragmepidiums need to be potted in medium that retains a lot of moisture. repot every 1 - 2 years in fresh orchid bark mix or rock wool. Species best suited to bark mixes include caudatum, wallisii, lindenii, sargentianum and longifolium. Species best suited to bark mixes include caudatum, wallisii, lindenii, sargentianum and longifolium. many phrags love a rockwool medium. use  mixed with 20% fine charcoal and 30% coarse perlite and 10% Splinter of coconut for drainage. (Plants potted in rockwool should be flushed with clear water every 2-3 weeks, as the rockwool can build up minerals.)

Psychopsis

They are  Epiphytes

 Light & Water

 Most Psychopsis and their hybrids prefer filtered, subdued light (from 1000 to 1500 ft. candles). The Psychopsis prefer bright light.The leaves should be bright green as opposed to dark green or reddish green. Reddish green indicates too much light; dark green indicates not enough light.

 Psychopsis should become moderately dry between waterings. Generally, they require more water while the new shoot is growing and less once the bulb has formed. Feed "Weekly Weakly" (at 1/4 strength once a week). Take care to keep water out of the new growth at the base of the plant. Never allow the bottom of the pot to stand in water. Never use artificially softened water.

Temperature & Humidity

 Most Psychopsis and their hybrids enjoy intermediate temperature ranges:75-85  F,(24-30 C). day & 60-65  F(16-18 C). at night

 Psychopsis enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 50-60% Humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Potting & Feeding

 Repot Psychopsis at least every two years. As a general rule, repot them when the new shoot is two to three inches tall or when new roots appear. All the old mix should be removed from the roots and any dead roots should be removed. If dividing, keep the divisions in clumps of three to five mature bulbs.  Do not repot Psychopsis unless the new growth has come out of the pots or the medium has decomposed. Remove individual flowers as they fade. If lower leaves turn yellow,they can be removed without damaging the plants.

Medium to fine fir bark is preferred. The base of the new growth should be potted about 1/2" (no deeper) into the fresh bark. Keep mix barely damp until you see the new roots penetrating the bark, then resume normal watering.

 High-nitrogen fertilizers can be used year round. Feed "Weekly Weakly" (at 1/4 strength once a week).