Hi all,

I will be getting a besseae and a besseae flavum soon.. I would appreciate if anyone can share their culture tips for these beauties. ;)

I have search in various forums.. and the general consensus is that the var flavum is PICKY! :confused: Besides clean clean clean water and cooler temperature, what else can I do to make them happy? What growing mix do they prefer?

Thanks in advance! :D

Sorry, I don't have any tips for you!!! I'm so jealous!!! I want one too. I didn't know that they are picky!

Hello Jorch:
The Phrag besseae var flavum is a very fussy grower. Always keep them moist and don't let them dry out. I would suggest that you grow them in fine bark, perlite and charcoal mixture. I would top dress the medium with sphagnum moss. They also have a tendency to climb because of the long rhizome (like a Laelia ancep) so you should repot at least once a year. If you plan on using coconut husk make sure you soak it many times so that the salt concentration is very low. I suggest that you pot the besseae into clay pots and add lava rock to the bottom 2 inch of the pot and stand them in an inch of water in a saucer. Also have a fan nearby to give it air circulation. Make sure that you keep an eye out for mites!

Paphman910

Yes, the besseaes particularly the yellow ones are extremely picky and I have a hard time growing them. Here is LINK (http://www.slipperorchidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4006&highlight=besseae+flavum) to mine. Another LINK (http://www.slipperorchidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6031&highlight=besseae+flavum).

Thanks guys!

Peter, it was your gorgeous besseae var flavum that got me hooked. I know I have to be extra careful with mine as even an expert grower like yourself finds it extremely picky. :fcrossed:

Wayne, you are right about CHC.. perhaps I'll just grow these two in bark/perlite/charcoal mix.. too risky for potential salt built up with CHC! lol~ Would you recommend sitting the flavum in water too? Do you think they'll enjoy our west coast summer outdoor with bright shade condition?

Ralph, need we say more? lol~ my 3rd eye can see one or more besseae arriving at your door step in the next 2 weeks. :lol:

Thanks guys!

Peter, it was your gorgeous besseae var flavum that got me hooked. I know I have to be extra careful with mine as even an expert grower like yourself finds it extremely picky. :fcrossed:

Wayne, you are right about CHC.. perhaps I'll just grow these two in bark/perlite/charcoal mix.. too risky for potential salt built up with CHC! lol~ Would you recommend sitting the flavum in water too? Do you think they'll enjoy our west coast summer outdoor with bright shade condition?

Ralph, need we say more? lol~ my 3rd eye can see one or more besseae arriving at your door step in the next 2 weeks. :lol:

:cool:I had no idea my besseae flavum had inspired you but I'm glad to have enabled you! Good luck and please post photos of your new bessies! Keep us posted. :fcrossed:

Thanks guys!

Peter, it was your gorgeous besseae var flavum that got me hooked. I know I have to be extra careful with mine as even an expert grower like yourself finds it extremely picky. :fcrossed:

Wayne, you are right about CHC.. perhaps I'll just grow these two in bark/perlite/charcoal mix.. too risky for potential salt built up with CHC! lol~ Would you recommend sitting the flavum in water too? Do you think they'll enjoy our west coast summer outdoor with bright shade condition?

Ralph, need we say more? lol~ my 3rd eye can see one or more besseae arriving at your door step in the next 2 weeks. :lol:


Hi Jorch:
I would stand the flavum in water as well and I think the weather is really nice for them to be outside but keep an eye out for pest.

Paphman910

Thanks again guys! Will post pics when they arrive sometime next week. :thumbsup:

Jorch:
Your water quality should be pretty good out of the tap. Do check with your municipality with regard to water solutes in PPM.

Paphman910

I think the regular is kind of fussy too! I don't have any tips, but keep the salt content down!!

It is really picky to grow. Needs to be constantly moist and humid. I use distiled water since my tap is so high in Ph.

Ramon:D

well, I thought I had a bad plant because quite hard to grow, be now I can guess that's besseae's seem not to be very easy to grow!!:rolleyes:

When you concern yourself with the PPM of the water that has come from a RO filter, what is the PPM of the water after adding fertilizer that you are feeding your besseaes with?

I had to chuckle when I saw this thread/post, as I had just made arrangements with Chucker Acker & had inquired about the flavums he had available. Here's another opinion - he claims he doesn't grow them any different than the regular besseaes. They get the same amount of light, none of his are sitting in water, he has no RO and they all looked fine. He cautioned about no salt build up & nighttime lows at 50, they sulked. During the winter months he moved them to the phal house (55-60) & they did much better.
I'll find out!