Phrag. (Mexipedium) xerophyticum

Base Price: $150.00

Intro:
This plant was just recently discovered in 1991 in Mexico. It grows in bright light on rocks with its roots in decomposed leaf litter or mosses. This plant comes from a much drier area than phragmipediums are normally found. However, it is not uncommon for there to be dew or fog at night which allows the plants to receive moisture. Days can be bright and the plant can receive two to three times the light of most phragmipediums found in nature. The leaves are stiff and vanda-like but rather short. Mature plants can be only a few inches across. The flowers are lovely; white with a hint of pink and are very small(2.5 - 3 cm). It is assumed as these plants are raised in artificial conditions plant and flower size will increase beyond that found in nature.

Light:
This plant as a seedling requires lower light; that in which you would grow paphiopedilum seedlings. However, as the plant matures, increase the light more and more to give you stronger and heavier growths. Some plants when mature have been grown in light as high as 3500-4500 footcandles. These plants grown in cultivation get much larger than they do in nature.

Temperature:
This plant grows in temperatures that are somewhat cooler in the winter, so it will tolerate temperatures in the mid to upper 50's at night. In summer, when it is in the growth mode, it won't mind warmer night temperaturesup to the mid 70's. Summer day temps shuld not exceed 85F. Provide a lot of light and air movement and the plants should do well.

Humidity:
These plants grow in an area that can have very low humidity during the dry season, but there is usually some dew or fog at night which allows the plant to absorb humidity through its leaves, and keeps the soil around the roots from becoming parched. This plant can tolerate lower humidity, especially in the winter, but watering must be monitored carefully to ensure the bark mix does not become too dry.

Water:
This plant grows on rocks in nature, so it is important that there be air around the roots. Keep it moist, allowing it to just approach dryness between waterings but drying out more than other phragmipediums. In the summertime with lots of heat and air movement, plants may dry out more quickly than at other times of year.

Fertilizer:
This plant likes clean water, but it will tolerate more calcium and minerals in the water than most other phrags. as it has been found growing on limestone. If you are using municipal water, the calcium and magnesium is most likely already in that water. Fertilize with GrowMore 20-10-20 if using municipal water, or a Cal-Mag. fertilizer if using clean water such as reverse osmosis, distilled, or rain water. Fertilizing should be done every third watering. It is a good idea to water the plant first, then fertilize. Don't fertilize a dry plant.

We also highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water.

Flowering:
The flowering season is generally in spring but can occur at different times of year, especially when grown under lights where light level is more constant. This plant has a stoloniferous growth habit. It tends to produce a long rhizome between the growths. This is normal for the plant as it creeps about on rocks in nature. When you see this occuring, simply take new growth with the long stolon, and set it down into another pot with mix, covering just the base of that growth. Hold it down with a rhizome clip, watering as normal. It should develop roots, and then you can split it away from the mother plant. Some people grow these in larger shallow trays to accomodate these rambling growths. There can be anywhere from 2-4 inches between growths. Sometimes they grow neatly together, growth next to growth.

Repotting:
Repotting should be carried out in the spring as new growth appears. This plant has a stoloniferous growth habit. It tends to produce a long rhizome between the growths. This is normal for the plant as it creeps about on rocks in nature. When you see this occuring, simply take new growth with the long stolon, and set it down into another pot with mix, covering just the base of that growth. Hold it down with a rhizome clip, watering as normal. It should develop roots, and then you can split it away from the mother plant. Some people grow these in larger shallow trays to accomodate these rambling growths. There can be anywhere from 2-4 inches between growths. Sometimes they grow neatly together, growth next to growth. Use a mix that is well drained like a medium bark mix which will not break down too quickly. A fine mix is best for seedlings as well as mature plants.