/ Register

Welcome to OrchidsForum.com. We are a friendly online community for Orchid Growers all over the world. If you haven't joined yet we invite you to register and join our community. Hope to see you on our forums!

What is the maximum spike height for Phragmipedium besseae?

Discussion in 'Everything Else Orchid' started by Uluwehi, Jan 11, 2011.

Tags:
  1. Jan 11, 2011 #1
    Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

    Messages:
    1,973
    Likes Received:
    124
    Could the growers of this species tell me the length of their tallest spike? (not of any besseae hybirds, I know these are taller) Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Jan 12, 2011 #2
    goods

    goods Well-Known Member Supporting Member

    Messages:
    1,255
    Likes Received:
    148
    Location:
    Louisiana
    I don't currently grow this plant... I tried but failed miserably with our temperatures even though I think I did everything possible short of growing in a fridge turned grow chamber.

    If I remember correctly from the research I did on it, it is one of the smaller growing phrags. I know mine was know more than 2-3 inches tall per growth. From most of the pictures I've seen, I'd say a rough average guess would be 6 inches to at most a foot (?), but I'm only guessing.

    I think the real size issue (if any) with these guys is their vertical growth habit.

    Hope this helps out a little. Hopefully someone with a little more experience has better advice than me.
     
  3. Jan 12, 2011 #3
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

    Messages:
    13,775
    Likes Received:
    3,573
    Location:
    Santa Rosa, CA
    I remember the spikes as being about 12" from the base of the plant, perhaps a bit more.
     
  4. Jan 12, 2011 #4
    Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

    Messages:
    1,973
    Likes Received:
    124
    Thanks Marni, it's been 5 years since I last grew the species and my memory is fuzzy.

    Goods, thanks for the effort :) I am sorry that you have had such a hard time growing it. This is hard to grow where nights don't dip below 75°F/24°C. Some of the hybrids like Jason Fischer do better under warmer conditions, but even they bloom better and a deeper red with cooler nights.
     
  5. Jan 12, 2011 #5
    goods

    goods Well-Known Member Supporting Member

    Messages:
    1,255
    Likes Received:
    148
    Location:
    Louisiana
    I was given special culture instructions from the nursery I bought it from on how the owner had seen success in warmer weather and I grew it indoors but I was unsuccessful. I had a Mem. Dick Clements that I watched wither away for about a year and a half. The only Phrag. I've been able to keep alive is the large Sorceror's Apprentice I have growing indoors and with "wet feet". I'm getting some growth out of it so I'm hopeful
     
  6. Jan 12, 2011 #6
    Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

    Messages:
    1,973
    Likes Received:
    124
    Phragmipedium Sorcerer's Apprentice is a beautiful hybrid, I am glad it's growing for you.
     
  7. May 16, 2013 #7
    Bill Zimmerman

    Bill Zimmerman Bill Zimmerman

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Seattle
    The inflorescences can elongate and they are sequential bloomers. I have seen short spikes and long ones, the longest about 18" or so. Normal is about half of that.
     
  8. May 18, 2013 #8
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

    Messages:
    1,435
    Likes Received:
    164
    Location:
    Exeter, PA
    Like Bill said the spikes can get fairly long. I've had them reach over a foot.