Phragmipedium vittatum

Also known as: The Striped Phragmipedium or Selenipedium paulistanum Selenipedium vittatum var. breve Paphiopedilum paulistanum Phragmipedium vittatum h.v. breve Cypripedium paulistanum Cypripedium vittatum var. breve Cypripedium binotii in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Federal District - Brazil

General Information

The Striped Phragmipedium is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 81cm. Each new growth has numerous erect arching leaves that grow to 46-61cm long

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 297mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 48% to 84%, highest in June and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 11C to 31C, highest in March (19C to 31C) and lowest in January (11C to 25C).

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