paph and phrags: characteristics and growth environment

[sushiboy]

greetings to one and all. can someone enlighten me on the the following please:

1) the differences bet paph anf phrags,

2) the growing environment/condition for the 2,

3) how long does a plant take to flower and reflower? how do they 'behave'?

the reason why i am asking is that until recently, i had a paph (i think). one with long narrow slightly variegated leaves. the leaves when young were nice and smooth but not long after it started emerging, it started to wrinkle on the surface with bits of brown spots. these spots then became patches and the leaf would eventually turn brown. i dosen't dry out and drop off. it just remains there......brown and drooped over. the roots were potted in charcoal and just a tiny bit of sphag. plant eventually died. might have been able to do something about it had i come across this forum earlier.....sigh.

thanks in advance.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi,

Check out these three PDF files from the AOS. Two on Paphiopedilum and the other on Phragmipedium.

Paphiopedilum and Paphiopedilum Culture

For Phrags, check out this link: Phragmipedium

Also, see other interesting links in our Orchid Forum Useful Links Section

Cheers,
BD

[bench72]

hi sushiboy

1. Paphs are Asiatic slipper orchids whilst Phrags come from SOuth America.

2. many different growing cultures for the different types of Paphs, ie the complex hybrids are cooler growing, whilst the maudiae types need a little warmer than the complex. whilst these two like similar amounts of light, the multifloral Paphs prefer higher light levels. so always a good idea to figure out what type of Paph / Phrag / orchid you have and work out the requirements.

3. Generally these plants flower once a year, the growth matures and from the middle comes the flower spike. the plant will send a new growth on it's side and this will eventually be the new part that will flower.

hopefully the past experience does not deter you from trying some more of these types of orchids.

best way to move on is to work ut what environment you have to grow your plants and choose plants that will be happy there. Once you have more confidence with them, then venture some and push the limits.

good luck and happy growing.