Phragmipedium Alex Portilla Culture:
This recently registered and spectacular slipper orchid hybrid is a cross between Phragmipedium Carol Kanzer and Phragmipedium humboldtii. It combines the influence of several species, including the large, striking pouch of P. humboldtii with the other genetic traits from the complex hybrid P. Carol Kanzer (which itself has P. pearcei and P. schlimii in its lineage). This results in a plant that produces showy, elegant flowers with a unique and captivating appearance.
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Light: Prefers moderate, indirect light. It's crucial to avoid direct sun, especially during the midday hours, as this can easily scorch the leaves. A bright, east-facing window or a location with filtered light is often ideal.
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Temperature: Thrives in intermediate to cool temperatures. Ideal daytime temperatures should range between 18-24°C (65-75°F), with a slight drop at night to 13-18°C (55-65°F). This temperature range helps promote healthy growth and flowering.
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Humidity: Requires high humidity, ideally between 60-80%. Excellent air circulation is essential to prevent fungal issues, which can be a problem in humid conditions without proper airflow.
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Watering: This hybrid, like its parents, demands consistent moisture. The potting medium should never be allowed to dry out completely. Water thoroughly and frequently, making sure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogged roots.
Additional Notes
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Floral Characteristics: Phragmipedium Alex Portilla produces impressive flowers with a large, pronounced pouch that is typically a shade of light pink to cream, often with delicate venation. The long, sweeping, and often twisted petals. The overall size and exact shade of the flowers can vary between individual plants in a seedling population, but all share a dramatic and distinctive appearance. This orchid can produce multiple flowers on a single stem, with new blooms appearing in succession over an extended period.
