Phragmipedum besseae

This is definately one of the most beautiful orchids.The bright red flowers are seen in no other slipper orchid, and their long life and quantity are unmatched! This little flower is about 2.5" across (they get bigger as the plant gets older) on a 6" spike (which will reach about 16" tall by the time it is finished). Phrag besseae is not the easiest phrag to grow but is not too difficult either, and in fact may be the easiest depending on your situation. Unlike most phrags, besseae likes lower light (as for paphs); I grow mine on a shaded east windowsill. The biggest problem people have with besseae is watering. They MUST have WET roots all the time; the pot should sit in 2" of water. as well, the water must not have any chemicals and should have a very low mineral content (don't use tap water!). I use reverse osmosis water. A trick I use that seems to work very well is I empty the pan under the pot and rinse it out, and flush the mix thoroughly before adding more water to the pan three times a week. By the way, this method with the water in the pan satisfies the humidity requirement too. To feed, I use a commercial orchid fertilizer at half strength every two weeks in spring/summer and once a month in fall/winter.