A viewers question answered: Phragmipedium pearcei

Hi All, Today we answer a great question from a viewer. ‪@kristyc8280‬ asked for an update on my species Phrag. I hope this helps Kristyc8280.
Growing Details:
Perth Western Australia
Climate: Mediterranean
en.wikipedia.o....
Home grower
Ducted Heat and Air Con
Humidifier
Growing Media:
Pumice
www.aquaponics....
Grow Lights
Full spectrum white light LED grow lights in either 10w strips or 80w bars
Water:
Under the sink R/O 5 stage filtration.

[@michaelpeace1201]

Nice looking plant

[@JuliesOrchids]

Thank you 🙏.

[@NinjaOrchids]

Love the foliage of this phrag ❤ sequential bloomer is a massive bonus 🎉

[@JuliesOrchids]

Thank you Nina. Hope you are having a good weekend

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

I wouldn't change the pot size, I would just cut the rhizome and arrange the pieces so that it fits in the pot.

[@robirobinson3602]

Thank you so much, Julie! I transferred some of my Phrags from pumice back into a bark/moss mix because I was doing a terrible job of managing them in pumice. Primarily, as you mention, they can't take higher salts. I use my tap water starting at around 54ppm of salts. One thing that has been niggling in my brain, is the comment about the lighter colouring... patchy, paling out of the leaves being due to too much light. I'm not so sure that is the cause. 🤔 I have one, the Phrag. Predator that I've been unable to rectify. I've tried a chelated iron supplement and different light levels, but it's still happening. This one has been in recovery for 3 years, not growing great, and definitely not blooming for me. This one, I transitioned back to bark/moss to see if I can get better results. Perhaps if the grower sees my comment, or you can shed some more clarity about the paling effects? Have a beautiful day, Julie! 🙏🙂❤️

[@JuliesOrchids]

Hi Robi.
Mine have recovered by raising the height of the lights and cleaning them. They were spotted because my new lights have a clear dome covering the leds, it was dirty.
Your Phrag predator- I know you love that one- might be viruses? It’s declining, and not recovering despite your best efforts. I’d wonder perhaps orchid fleck virus. Best of luck with it.

[@robirobinson3602]

@@JuliesOrchids Perhaps! It was very nice when I got it. Robi care stress pushed it over the edge, maybe. 😉 I'll give it this next year to see if there are improvements, if none, I'll let it go. My Phrag Zapatilla De La Virgen bloomed beautifully with 5 blooms on the 2 spikes and the petals maxed out at 30in long this time. I was SO pleased. 😁🥰 Love the Phrags!