How to Care for Phragmipedium Orchids

Phragmipedium orchids, also known as Mandarin orchids, are native to Central and South American and closely resemble the northern hemisphere's lady's slipper orchids. Phragmipedium orchids are actually one of the easier orchids to care for as house plants. Read below for some basic Phragmipedium care tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunlight
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Bark Potting Medium

1. LIGHT: Phragmipedium orchids prefer moderately bright light, with some direct light in non-summer months.

2. WATER: Phragmipediums, unlike most other orchids, actually prefer continuous moisture. Some growers even allow their Phragmipedium orchids to have 'wet feet'. Place a tray underneath the pot and fill it with a little bit of water for the roots to soak up from the bottom. As with most plants, be careful not to over water and try not to use softened water.

3. FERTILIZER: A balanced fertilizer is good (equal parts of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium). It is best to give the orchid one watering with fertilizer and the next watering without in order to give the plant a break.

4. POTTING MEDIUM: Phragmipedium orchids should be potted in bark. Due to the constant moisture, the bark will break down faster than with other orchids. Repot Phragmipediums once a year.

5. BLOOMING: Phragmipedium orchid hybrids vary significantly with type, color, and size of blooms. The great thing about these orchids is that flowers can last up to several months. The plant sends up a spike that will produce one flower after another. Flowers actually fall off before they start to wilt, making room for the next flower that follows. Remove the spike stem after blooming is finished. This is a good time to repot the plant.