Phragmipedium caricinum Plant Care

Phragmipedium caricinum (Phragmipedium caricinum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Phragmipedium genus.

Phragmipedium caricinum displays an upright, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Phragmipedium caricinum produces large, colorful slipper-shaped blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Phragmipedium caricinum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Phragmipedium caricinum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Phragmipedium caricinum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Phragmipedium caricinum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Phragmipedium caricinum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Phragmipedium caricinum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Phragmipedium caricinum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Phragmipedium caricinum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Phragmipedium caricinum can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Phragmipedium caricinum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Phragmipedium caricinum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Phragmipedium caricinum can be propagated through division, back bulbs, seedlings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to besse's slipper orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Phragmipedium caricinum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Phragmipedium caricinum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Phragmipedium caricinum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.