Phragmipedium klotzscheanum

Native to: Brazil Guyana

General Information

Phragmipedium klotzscheanum is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Brazil and Guyana.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous rigid leaves that grow to 25cm long. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Sand

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 81mm to 244mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 77% to 89%, highest in June and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 13C to 27C, highest in February (16C to 27C) and lowest in September (13C 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.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

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