Phrag Advise

[Bikerdoc5968]

I have had this Phrag for about 2 years. Last year no flower...then in the fall of last year one of the 3 shoots died. At the time I thought it was my negligence and the thing just rotted out! I didn't know, like with paphs the older growth will die back after flowering. So now this is my plant. You can see the remnants of the dead growth in front of the green older growth It appears that at the base of the older gowth there are 2 new growths and a flower spike growing up from the older plants. Is this how it goes with Phrags? So I did something right!!!!????

[ischel1]

I don't know about phrags, but if I had to guess, I'd say you certainly did do something right.

[gbrice]

I know absolutely nothing about phrags, but FWIW, it looks good to me. Congratulations.

[sadie]

Congrats -- definitely good things happening in that pot! Yes, old phrag growths do die back after blooming, although it usually takes awhile. I'll defer to Bruce for Phrag expert advice since my best and healthiest phrags came from him a couple of years ago--clearly he knows what he's doing.

[Ron-NY]

Yes, older growths eventually die. Your plant looks very healthy. Both mature growths are spiking for you! That is the way it should be.You have at least 4 new growths started, so when those 4 mature, you should have 4 spikes at once. You are doing something right Good growing! It should be a very pretty flower. Pink with spotting inside the pouch and a little twist to the petals. You are dealing with 3 species with this cross. longifolium, besseae and fischeri

[Bikerdoc5968]

Thanks, Ron....but how do you know that it is 3 species with a cross? Yes, I know from the name....but????? Thanks again

[PAL]

And Doc's magic strikes again! How do you do it? I kill these by just looking at them! Good for you Doc, be sure to post pics when it's ready.
Al

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Congrats -- definitely good things happening in that pot! Yes, old phrag growths do die back after blooming, although it usually takes awhile. I'll defer to Bruce for Phrag expert advice since my best and healthiest phrags came from him a couple of years ago--clearly he knows what he's doing.

LOL! Or we get really lucky! hehehe...

With phrags, we keep them in bright, diffuse light and never let them dry completely out. We feed just like the paphs, once a week. The older growths do eventually die back, but these love to grow very large. Keep the growths spiked up and give the plant room and they can really put on a show.

You have truly 'done something right', Bikerdoc! Bravo on such a healthy, beautiful phrag. I look forward to the blooms!!

Cheers,
BD

[Ron-NY]

Thanks, Ron....but how do you know that it is 3 species with a cross? Yes, I know from the name....but????? Thanks again

LOL, I read the tag and I am familiar with the parentage of Barbara LeAnn. (besseae x fischeri) and the other parent is a species. I grow my collection in a friend's greenhouses. He is a slipper vendor. I am surrounded by Paphs and Phrags on a regular basis.

It is also good to know the parentage with hybrids. It helps with culture, particularly with Dendrobiums.

[Tmai]

Lookin' good, Doc! How long between the start of the spike and bloom? Maybe a picture of your phags next to my phrags will encourage them. Also thanks for the info Ron and Bruce.

Tami