Phrag schlimii--what did I do wrong?
Phrag enthusiasts, please help! I got my first phrag...an adorable little schlimii, in the mail about three weeks ago. It came in bud, and I've been watching the bud slowly open with bated breath. Then yesterday I saw that the bud had stopped opening and the stem had begun to turn brown...BUD BLAST!!
What did I do wrong?
When I looked online, I read conflicting information about phrags. Some sites said they like Cattleya light; other sites said they like Paph level light. I understand it depends on the species, and I heard that the schlimii was fairly easy to grow, so I compromised and gave it Phalaenopsis light.
As far as water, I've been drenching the media every other day with bottled spring water, since I've read that they like to stay VERY wet (some even like to sit in a tray of water, I heard), and that they are particular about their water being relatively pure. I thought that spring water would be good, because they naturally grow along streams.
Because they like to be so wet, I was surprised when I saw what media the plant came in. It looks like a very dry mix. Here's a picture of the potting media. Does this look right to you, or should the phrag be in something that holds water better?
As for temps, it's been in the low 70's during the day and the mid 60's at night.
I would chock the bud blast up to the plant having a bad reaction to shipping, but the bud has been opening since it got here, and just started showing signs of trouble yesterday. I would think it would have immediately blasted if it had been a shipping issue.
Should I cut the stem all the way down to the bottom on this guy like I would with a paph? I've read that these can be sequential bloomers, so is there any chance this stalk will make more flowers? Should I just snip it below the bud?
Okay...thanks for all your help. I know absolutely NADA about phrags, and the internet has been less than helpful with providing information. Why did my bud blast, and what should I do now? I could use some general culture tips.
Thanks, friends!
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