Paph Caudatum x Sanderae problems

[Carper]

Hi,

I am from the Uk and have one of the above mentioned plants which I purchased from OrchidWeb in the US. Can you advise how you grow the plant, including feeding, light etc as mine just does not want to grow, I am losing the outer leaves one by one as they are turning yellow. I have repotted in a medium fir bark/perlite and sphagnum moss medium, stand in a little water, but the plant seems to be standing still. I have had it in the house, in the garage and if I'm not careful, it may die. Any suggestions would be of great.

Regards

Gary

 

[Kavanaru]

I think you are actually talking about Phragmipedium caudatum var. sanderae... right?

here you can find some general guidance for Phrag culture (different than Paphiopedilum!)

http://retirees.uwaterloo.ca/~jerry/orchids/cnotes/phrag.html
http://www.carterandholmes.com/phragcare.html

as per your plant in particular, did you check whether the roots are healthy? how much light are you giving? temperature? Fertilizer regime and type of water used? How long do you have this plant with you and under these conditions? A picture could also help to identify any particular issue...

 

[goldenrose]

In addition to Ramon's questions, I would ask how long have you had the plant & how long are you waiting before making any changes? It could just be acclimating, any plants I've brought in from another country have always given me trouble & I think caudatum can be a bit difficult to begin with.
I would not have a caudatum standing in water.

 

[Carper]

hi,

yes it is the Phrag caudatum var sandarae. I had it around May of this year. Along with a few other plants, they came in to the house, in a east facing bay window with all my other orchids. Firly bright but dappled light. Temps min 60 to average of 72-74 F in the day. Feed weekly with Jungle Green, from OrchidWeb, but at a TDS of about 450PPM mixed in RO water. I don't know the conversion to PPM Nitrogen, but it may around the 100 mark.
The plant looks healthy enough at present with the ramaining leaves, potted in mainly fir bark with a little, perlite and sphagnum moss added.

Gary

 

[John M]

If it's not actively growing, cut way back on the feeding frequency. Fertilizer does not cause growth, it is an aid to growth. The plant will initiate growth according to the seasons and sometimes - it seems, it's whims.

Also, the problem could simply be root loss caused by being too wet. Phrag. caudatum is an epiphyte and as such, it likes to become nearly completly dry between waterings. It is not one of the species that grows on stream banks with roots in the running water. Symptoms of root loss include yellowing lower leaves....until the entire plant is gone.

 

[SlipperFan]

I agree with the above. In my experience, caudatum and it's progeny don't like as much water as other Phrags. I wouldn't let this one stand in water. If you check it's roots and they are OK, just let it barely dry before watering again.

Good luck!

By the way, welcome to Slippertalk!

 

[Heather]

Agreed. First red flag for me to go up was the comment about sitting in water. I'd stay away from that with this species. I did try my long petaled phrags in semi hydro and they were not amused.

 

[NYEric]

Yep, take it out of the water.

 

[Carper]

Will do, thanks for all your advice.

Gary

 

[John M]

Glad to help. Good luck, Gary!