What is the longest you have had a phragmipedium and successfully kept it alive and growing? Five years? Ten years? Since 1903?

At Ecuagenera, they have plants that Father Andreetta collected in the 1950's.

Kyle

I've only been growing Phrags for about 5 years. Not very long at all!

I have phrags that are 15 years old.

I got my first phrags in 2001, so not long for me either.

To be precise individual growths don't last very long after blooming, but a constantly growing/dividing clump should last many years.

I was wondering if there was a terminal point for phrags. If grown in the absolute optimum condition, and the plant remains disease free, is there a point where the plant either reaches a size to large for it to sustain itself or just for some reason croaks?

But if there are plants that have survived since the 50's, I guess that shows that they can at least approach the lifespan of a human.

No, I haven't lost a phrag already! :) I was just wondering if plants could die of "old age".

No, I haven't lost a phrag already! :) I was just wondering if plants could die of "old age".

It's my personal belief that plants that can be divided, like orchids, have the potential to live forever if managed properly - although Bamboo is a notable exception.

Cheers
Stephan

It's my personal belief that plants that can be divided, like orchids, have the potential to live forever if managed properly - although Bamboo is a notable exception.

Cheers
Stephan

My thoughts also. I suppose, in theory, this should be true of the monopodals, as long as they keep putting out new roots and are given fresh medium to grow in/on.