Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman
Phragmipedium longifolium
Detailed photo showing a Phragmipedium longifolium orchid in my All In One design
Common name
The Long-Leaf Phragmipedium (longifolium means long leaf), Phrag
Origin
Widely found in Costa Rica to Ecuador. All members of the genus Phragmipedium are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
Varieties
It is a relatively new flower used by designers. The the orange Phragmipedium longifolium was discovered as recently as 1981 and since then, the Phragmipedium has been used to create several hybrids of amazing colours and shapes.
Colors
The dorsal sepal and petals are medium green heavily veined mahogany. The pouch is dark tan-brown to dark mahogany. With some pink to orange varieties
Vase life
Lasts up to a week as a cut flower in very little water (but don't allow it to dry) On the plant the flower will drop one week after opening (even though it still looks fresh) and a new flower will appear. Flowers mostly in Autumn but in ideal conditions (and natural habitat) it can flower year round
Scent
Slight floral almost like a daffodil
Uses
Great as a focal flower. Keep in mind when designing that the stem would always be short, at best, because the flower drops from the stem (see Vase Life)
Conditioning
Although the flowers are slow drinkers the plants do require constant watering and more indirect sunlight than most orchids. Some of the varieties even grow in waterfalls and under water.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter
Every week I add a new design with related tutorials. Be sure to subscribe to receive an email notification with design inspiration.
Related Designs
Design an armature that is light enough to be carried by two flower stems to create a radiating frame.
How to place various sizes of plant material in a Kenzan
Using a traditional Ikabana Kenzan to place flowers in a shallow container
