In the orchid world, it is no surprise to find species of every exotic shape. But there is one group that is not only exotic, it actually appears to be a copy of another very popular orchids. Many of you may be familiar with the "Slipper Orchid" Paphiopedilum with their funny shoe-shaped lip.
The orchids I am going to tell you about are actually relatives of the Paphiopedium species. They belong to the genus Phragmipedium, many times mistaken for Paphiopediums.

The diagnostic feature differentiating memebers of the two genus is that the ovary of Paphiopedilum species is unilocular while Phragmipedium species have trilocular ovaries consisting of three segments.

This anatomical difference is reflected in the name of the genus: phragma means "fence" in Greek, referring to the walls dividing the ovary into three compartments in Phragmipedium species.

The consequence of this anatomical difference is that members of the two genus are not cross-fertile - to the great disappointment of many hybridizers trying to hybridize members of these genera but so far in vain.

The blossoms of the Phragmipediums are what makes these orchids one of the top most wanted orchid in the hobbyist collections. Unlike the usual Paphiopedilum, the petals of some of the Phragmipedium species such as the fantastic Phragmipedium wallisii and Phragmipedium caudatum have blossom petals reaching lengths of over 32" (81 cm)!
To be different, Phragmipedium lindenii has three petals rather than a slipper "pouch." Still others, such as Phragmipedium pearcei, have pretty twisted petals and a puffy-looking pouch.

One of the newest species (discovered in 1981 in Peru), Phragmipedium besseae, has blossoms that are a brilliant red - fluorescent orange!
Interestingly enough, in certain natural habitats Ph. besseae not infrequently grows in colonies formed jointly with an another member of the genus, Phragmipedium schlimii, yet so far no natural hybrids of these species is known.
Which is all the more curious as although Ph. schlimii is often autogamous in its natural habitats, yet it is not only highly cross-fertile with several other members of the genus but in artificial crossings regularly proves to be the dominant parent, passing agressively its features onto the hybrid progeny.

Here is a natural white form of Phragmipedium schlimii used also extensively in hybridizing.

Many Phragmipedium hybrids produce blooms all year round or at least most of the year.
Colors range from white to pale pink to bright red, orange to deep purple, tans and greens.

Phragmipediums are referred to as "New World Lady Slippers" because they are all naturally found in Mexico and throughout central and northern South America. They grow in many different areas and climates. Phragmipedium longifolium, pearcei and klotzschianum, for example, grow flooded during the rainy season in their area.
By contrast, you can find Phragmipedium caudatum high up in the trees while still other species can be found growing low on rocks.

The culture for Phragmipediums is not really difficult and I am sure you can find one that will adapt to your growing environment. The following are general growing conditions. You should, however, always check the culture requirements for your specific species to ensure you provide a happy home for it.

WATER:
This is most important. Phragmipediums demand clean, soft water. Rainwater, distilled water or water treated through reverse osmosis is a must.

    Phragmipediums hate water that has high pH so you must keep the pH below 5.5 if possible but. there are some that will tolerate a higher pH level, so it is best to check your particular plant requirements.

   You can easily test and adjust water pH levels using a tropical fish aquarium water pH meter test/treatment kit available at some pet stores and most good aquarium shops.

(Caution: The kit may contain toxic chemicals. Read and carefully follow all directions and precautions that are provided with the kit to avoid injury).

Never let these orchids dry between watering.
They require copious amounts of water and enjoy keeping their "feet" wet in a saucer beneath the pot. This is one orchid that you really can't over water. Again, some species such as such as Phragmipedium wallisii and Phragmipedium lindenii do like it drier than others, so check the requirements for your particular orchid.

FERTILIZER:
Fertilize heavy in the spring and less in the fall and winter. Never use a fertilizer that contains urea in it.

LIGHT:
This will depend on the type you are growing. Most Phragmipediums require more light than Phalaenopsis species although some, such as Phragmipedium besseae and pearcei, prefer a more subdued light. may survive under more subdued light. Most will do well at 2000-3000 foot-candles of light. Check the culture sheet for each species to find the correct lighting requirement.

TEMPERATURE:
Generally day temperature in the 70's (21 ^oC) to 80's (27 ^oC) and at nights from the 50's (10 ^oC) to low 60's (16 ^oC) will be enjoyed by most Phragmipediums.

There are about 30 species and literally hundreds of hybrids in the Phragmipedium group, so take your time and shop around to find that very special one you would like to grow.