Phrag Pearcei Never enough water?

[Bob]

I have a new, got it 4 weeks ago, Pearcei 'Green Goddess' (x sib). I was told when I bought it that it grows in a very wet environment, don't let it dry out. In that time I've missed only 2 days of watering. It's in a south windowsill, with blinds to filter the light. In addition to having it on a humidifier tray, I also have it on a smaller tray with stones and keep water in that too. Last week I noticed dark, thin lines forming on one leaf. I thought it was just the oldest leaf dying. But as I increased the water, they have begun to disappear. I know what I was told, but this seems almost rediculous. I'm a relative newcomer to Phrags and am intimidated by watering this much. Does this sound normal? I've heard of some Phrags that actually spend part of the rainy season totally submerged. Could this be one of those? If it matters, it has a shoot, which seems to have made no progress in the time I've had it. Maybe I should take it into the tub with me!

[orchidsal]

Yes, I have heard before from people who raise Phrags that they like plenty of water and in nature live right next to rivers, etc. I also understand that growers put them in saucer's of water so they can continuously wick up the fluid. I hope others chime in here to confirm what I have read.

[gardenguysorchids]

I am with you about being concerned about over watering these. I was told and have read that they like to sit in a saucer with water in it all the time. I have been doing it with mine and can't believe the difference in the plants appearance and the new growths they are putting out. It really is difficult finding accurate info on these. Good luck and hopefully we both will be posting pics of the blooms our plants reward us with.

[pk93]

I am in the same boat as you with this Phrag... I keep mine in s/h and mist the top portion of the pot every day to keep humidity and moisture levels up.. And yes this Phrag. grows right along rivers and in the rainy season can be submerged for fairly long amounts of time

[Bob]

What do you think of the dark lines? Is that indicative of not enough water? The plant itself shouldn't be misted, should it?