Source: Wikimedia Commons
Besse's Phragmipedium
AdvancedPhragmipedium besseae
A Phragmipedium that grows on wet cliffs and rocks on the eastern slopes of the Andes. It is known for scarlet-red flowers, a colour new to the genus, and drew attention as a breeding parent after its description in 1981.
About
Phragmipedium besseae is a terrestrial or lithophytic slipper orchid described in 1981 and named after Mrs Besse, an American orchid collector. It grows on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, in wet montane forest at 1,000-1,700 m on dripping roadbanks, riverside cliffs and granite rocks; growing on vertical cliffs with running water is unusual even within the genus. It has six to ten leathery, dark green leaves 13-30 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, held in a fan, and spreads by long rhizomes. From late winter to spring a hairy stem 30-50 cm tall opens one to six flowers in succession. The flowers are about 4-9 cm across, with translucent windows in the pouch. It brought a scarlet-red colour to a genus whose flowers had mostly been subdued, and a yellow form (f. flavum) also exists. Like Paphiopedilum, it is difficult to mass-propagate by meristem culture. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid and wildflower nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Besse's Phragmipedium
The Besse's Phragmipedium grows to Small; leaves 13-30 cm, flower stem 30-50 cm, flowers 4-9 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (eastern Andean slopes, 1,000-1,700 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that spreads by rhizomes and can be kept for many years (little data on lifespan)
Size
Small; leaves 13-30 cm, flower stem 30-50 cm, flowers 4-9 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Give bright shade out of direct sun.
Watering
It grows on dripping cliffs, so keep the mix from drying out.
Temperature & Overwintering
A cool grower from 1,000-1,700 m that dislikes summer heat. Keep it cool and airy in summer and frost-free indoors in winter.
Soil & Repotting
It spreads by long rhizomes, so use a shallow, wide pot and a free-draining mix.
Fertilizer
Feed dilute liquid fertilizer during growth.
Pests & Cautions
All Phragmipedium species are in Appendix I; always check the registration certificate under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species when acquiring a plant.
Besse's Phragmipedium FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Besse's Phragmipedium?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Besse's Phragmipedium get?
The mature size of Besse's Phragmipedium is Small; leaves 13-30 cm, flower stem 30-50 cm, flowers 4-9 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Besse's Phragmipedium?
Besse's Phragmipedium: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Besse's Phragmipedium?
The price of Besse's Phragmipedium varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Wikipedia
- Species+ (CITES)
- e-Gov: Enforcement Order of the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (Appended Table 2)
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan: regulation of transfers
- Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia: Phragmipedium besseae
- Wikipedia (Japanese): フラグミペディウム属
- GBIF: Phragmipedium besseae
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Phragmipedium besseae Dodson & J.Kuhn
Synonyms: Paphiopedilum besseae (Dodson & J.Kuhn) V.A.Albert & Börge Pett., Phragmipedium besseae f. flavum (Braem) O.Gruss & Roeth, Phragmipedium besseae var. besseae, Phragmipedium besseae var. flavum Braem
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
All Phragmipedium species are listed in CITES Appendix I (checked on Species+). They are therefore designated International Rare Species under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, and transferring a plant within Japan (selling or giving it away) requires a registration certificate under the Act; plants propagated in Japan also need to be registered. When buying, always check that the plant comes with its registration certificate.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / e-Gov: Enforcement Order of the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (Appended Table 2) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: regulation of transfers
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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