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What is the maximum spike height for Phragmipedium besseae?

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

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  1. Jan 11, 2011 #1
    Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    Like Bill said the spikes can get fairly long. I've had them reach over a foot.