Phragmipedium besseae

Also known as: Mrs. Besse's Phragmipedium or Phragmipedium besseae h.f. aureum Phragmipedium besseae h.v. besseae Phragmipedium besseae h.f. flavum Tai Yo Phragmipedium besseae flavum Phragmipedium besseae var. flavum Phragmipedium besseae f. flavum in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Ecuador Peru

General Information

Mrs. Besse's Phragmipedium is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Ecuador and Peru. It is named after the American Orchid Collector 20th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 22cm. Each new growth has numerous thick elliptic leaves that grow to 15-25cm long

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 33mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in November. Temperature ranges from 15C to 27C, highest in March (17C to 27C) and lowest in January (15C to 26C).

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Fertiliser can be applied heavily year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly