How to care for Phragmipedium Schroederae?

[Kita]

I bought online Phragmipedium Schroederae about two weeks ago. It's a blooming size plant (as per seller) but not in bloom. It has arrived bare root, wrapped in damp paper. Most of the roots are in very poor condition or I should say they are basically gone. Only a few healthy roots left. I potted it in clay pebbles as I don't have any other media at home at the moment. I noticed that leaves started to yellow from the bottom of the plant. What to do? It's is my first Phrag ever and I have no clue how to care for it. I live in an apartment with underfloor heating. I didn't find any helpful info on the Internet. Anybody can give me any tips that will help me not to kill the plant but possibly make it bloom?

[phraggy]

Looks like you have anew shoot forming so don't give up hope yet. Phrags are very forgiving if there is still some life in them. I'm not a fan of keeping these in hydroleca clay pellets . I always use NZ sphagnum ( or any sphagnum for all it matters ) mixed with large perlite. This gives the plant moisture and firmness of planting. Keep the sphagnum moist - but not over wet for this specie.Stand the pot in cold water and then leave the rest to the plant and don't feed for a month or two or until you see that new roots are well on the way.
Some other growers will tell you their methods but I'm only saying what works for me.
Best of luck with it.

Ed

[Kita]

Looks like you have anew shoot forming so don't give up hope yet. Phrags are very forgiving if there is still some life in them. I'm not a fan of keeping these in hydroleca clay pellets . I always use NZ sphagnum ( or any sphagnum for all it matters ) mixed with large perlite. This gives the plant moisture and firmness of planting. Keep the sphagnum moist - but not over wet for this specie.Stand the pot in cold water and then leave the rest to the plant and don't feed for a month or two or until you see that new roots are well on the way.
Some other growers will tell you their methods but I'm only saying what works for me.
Best of luck with it.

Ed

Thank you so much for the answer. I'll change the media this weekend. I hope it will be ok

[raybark]

Many phragmipedium species live along streams where their roots are right in the water. LECA, used as a medium in semi-hydroponic culture, is a fairly close match to that in a domesticated environment.

Phrags like to be constantly moist, yet with plenty of air to the root system. I avoid sphagnum, as it can compress and suffocate the roots, but if you're like Ed, and have mastered the stuff, by all means, go for it!

Here a couple of examples of phrags in S/H culture:

Phrag Mary Bess:


You like roots? (Phrag Don Wimber)

[Kita]

Many phragmipedium species live along streams where their roots are right in the water. LECA, used as a medium in semi-hydroponic culture, is a fairly close match to that in a domesticated environment.

Phrags like to be constantly moist, yet with plenty of air to the root system. I avoid sphagnum, as it can compress and suffocate the roots, but if you're like Ed, and have mastered the stuff, by all means, go for it!


Phrag Mary Bess:


You like roots? (Phrag Don Wimber)

All of my Phals are potted in LECA. They love it. The roots on second photo are impressive! I will have to think about which method to choose. Thanks for the answer. Much appreciated

[phraggy]

Although I am not a lover of phrags in hydroleca as Ray says it does well for him and it might do well for you. The only time that sphagnum goes into a tight ball is when it dries out--something you do not let phrags do. On the other hand some very well grown Cattleyas root balls are so compacted you wonder how on earth they can survive.

Best of luck
Ed

[raybark]

Right on, Ed!

"Potting medium" is a long way from defining "orchid culture", and what works great for one can be an absolute nightmare for another.