16 August 2010

PHRAGMIPEDIUM PEARCEI

This was one of the first photos I took with my older camera after the recent one was stolen from me.

This was an orchid I purchased on the second last day of SGF 10. This orchid meant a lot to me because I have always love slipper orchids. In fact, Phragmipediums are supposedly the temperate equivalent of the Paphiopedilums, or the tropical slipper orchids, which I couldn't even manage to grow successfully for a long time.

I was skeptical when the grower said they are easy to grow. Plants grown by the growers are always easy for them. But I decided to take the plunge and try this out.

Almost a month had passed and I don't regret the purchase at all. Whilst I am not exactly wowed by the flowers; they are not as pretty as some of the Paphiopedilums, I know I can grow to love it more and more each day. New flowers were produced along the inflorescence spike during this period and the plant still looks healthy. In fact, I think I can try to divide it soon into 2 clumps. Then at least I have another plant, in case something happens to one of them.

Anyway, some links are provided below on this orchid and the last 2 are particularly interesting. The attached photo is taken from the 4th link below where the orchid is growing in its natural habitat.
  1. http://www.orchidspecies.com/phrapearcei.htm
  2. http://www.orchidweb.com/orchidofweek.aspx?id=162
  3. http://www.argusorchids.net/images/photopages/p_phrag_pearcei.htm
  4. http://www.ecominga.net/PhotosAnzu.htm
  5. http://www.orchidboard.com/community/terrarium-gardening/24794-few-planted-ripariums-4.html