okay, here's what I came up with.
Comments and corrections are welcome!
Phragmipedium
Phragmipedium (frag-muh-PEE-dee-um) are the new world tropical lady slipper orchids with species originating from southern Mexico (Mexipedium xerophyticum) through central South America. Phrag. species are mostly found growing on the ground, on rocks, and occasionally in trees. The tree dwellers are the long-petaled species such as cadautum and its’ relatives, which are known to prefer dryer conditions than most other Phrags, which often grow in the splash zone of waterfalls and streambeds and can even be submerged during periods of heavy rain. Like Paphs, Phrags generally flower on every mature growth, usually in the late winter and spring, and mature plants can flower sequentially for many months. Phrags are also known to drop one pristine looking bloom just as another is ready to open. This just happens to be the way they flower. Hobbyists generally regard Phrags as the easiest type of slipper orchid to grow.
Light
Requirements for Phrags range from medium (1500-2000 foot-candles) for Phrag. besseae and its’ relatives, (which also provides the cooler temperatures they prefer) to bright (3000-4000FC) for the long-petaled caudatum types and xerophyticum.
Temperature
Most Phrags can be grown at intermediate temperatures with nights in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s. However, besseae and schlimii can tolerate and often prefer somewhat cooler temperatures. Phrag. besseae is known to bloom a brighter shade of red when grown on the cool side. The latest species discovered, Phrag. kovachii, is becoming known for not tolerating warm temperatures well. Closely related to the Phrags, Mexipedium xerophyticum prefers temperatures on the warmer end of the above range.
Water
Good quality water is very important for Phrags. Though tap water with low dissolved solids will be adequate, rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis is preferable. Most Phrags should be kept moist all the time, with the exception of the caudatum types and xerophyticum which can be allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. Always water in the morning to ensure that the foliage will be dry by the evening and do not let water accumulate in the crown of the plant.
Humidity and Air Circulation
As with their Paph. relatives, Phrags prefer to grow in humid conditions. 50-70% is ideal. Constant air circulation is important in higher humidity growing areas so that plants do not become prone to bacterial rot. The long-petaled caudatum types are well known for being susceptible to this sort of problem.
Fertilizer
Feeding Phrags too heavily can cause leaf-tip burn. Be sure to occasionally flush the pots with clear water to avoid accumulating salts. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize at a half or quarter the recommended strength for three waterings, and then to flush with clear water every fourth.
Repotting
Phrags tend to be tolerant of repotting, which can generally be done every two years or when the mix has decomposed significantly. Since Phrags like it on the wetter side, mix can often decompose more rapidly than with a dryer growing orchid. The best time to repot is after flowering, when new growth emerges.
