Phragmipedium caudatum

Also known as: The Tailed Phragmipedium or Phragmipedium caudatum h.v. maerochilum-giganteum Phragmipedium caudatum h.v. giganteum-sanderae Phragmipedium caudatum h.f. sanderae Phragmipedium caudatum h.v. caudatum Phragmipedium caudatum h.v. albertianum Phragmipedium caudatum h.v. giganteum Phragmipedium caudatum h.v. sanderae in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Mexico Peru

General Information

The Tailed Phragmipedium is a large sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Mexico and Peru. The name refers to the long petals.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 61-76cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, rigid leaves that grow to 61-76cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 163mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 57% to 78%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 7C to 31C, highest in May (15C to 31C) and lowest in January (7C to 28C).

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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

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