Phragmipedium Darlene Thompson

[PeteM]

(Phragmipedium Spot On × Phragmipedium klotzscheanum)

I didn’t think I was going to get this plant to bloom. Bill from Woodstream gave this to me back in 2018, and I really struggled to get it growing well. I finally moved it to a net basket and grodan mix, and it took off. This is a first bloom seedling, I am happy to finally see the flower. I do love how it’s kept the Spot On’s pink with the yellow center.

 

[abax]

Such a stunning, bright PINK! Will the bloom expand a bit more or is it pouting? Don't laugh about the "pouting". I have
a Phrag. or two that are still somewhat disgruntled about the hot summer.

 

[monocotman]

That’s a bit different! Love it.

 

[Djthomp28]

I love the deep pink of this clone.

 

[Ray]

Almost as lovely as it’s namesake!

 

[Phrag-Plus]

Gorgeous! I really like klotzscheanum hybrids...

 

[PeteM]

Such a stunning, bright PINK! Will the bloom expand a bit more or is it pouting? Don't laugh about the "pouting". I have
a Phrag. or two that are still somewhat disgruntled about the hot summer.

I believe this is it for this flower, it a opened up a bit more.. but it’s been open for a few days now. It is a first bloom, might be a slight chance of improving its form.. however, review of the other blooming siblings images it seems to be par for the course. The pouch is really attractive.

 

[NYEric]

Yay besseae hybrids! Nice, thanks for sharing. What is the grodan mix?

 

[PeteM]

Yay besseae hybrids! Nice, thanks for sharing. What is the grodan mix?

It’s the grodan (rockwool) and perlite.. might be some charcoal in there but I think for the most part I’ve kept it to perlite and rockwool with styrofoam peanuts at the bottom. I’ve also started using the grodan chunks 1 inch cubes, Vs the mini cubes which I think are 1/4 inch. Seems to improve air space in the middle of the pot.

 

[NYEric]

OK< similar to mine, Grodan, Perlite and aliflor. Thanks. I should move my DJT into that mix.

 

[Ray]

Grodan mini-cubes are 1 cm. 1/4" is about 0.6 cm.

My mix is 66-75% LECA, with the balance mini-cubes, and the particles are all of similar size. I like to water a lot, and aeration is no issue with that blend.