The Strange Stanhopea Orchids

There are many species in this genus and the hybridizers love to experiment with them creating many new hybrids such as Stangora ( Gongora x Stanhopea) and Stanhocycnis ( Polycycnis x Stanhopea.) My favorites are Stanhopea wardii, Stanhopea impressa, Stanhopea grandiflora, and Stanhopea oculata

The light requirements of the Stanhopeas needs to be bright but diffused so the tender leaves are not burnt. (2,500 to 3,000 foot-candles) They prefer temperatures in the ranges of 52 F (11c) to 60 F (16c) during the night and up to 75 F (24c) during the day. They must have cool night temperatures to initiate the flower formations. Never let your Stanhopeas dry out to prevent the tip of the leaf to brown and die. Water less in the winter. The humidity should be kept between 50% to 80% with good air movement. Fertilizer should be used at regular intervals during the growing season, which occurs in the early part of the year for many species.

One of the most important things to remember is the inflorescent is pendulant so you must use containers that will allow the spike to grow through the potting medium and out the bottom of the container. Baskets with 1" to 2" spacing are excellent. Use a mix that will remain moist like sphagnum moss, osmunda fiber or coconut chips. You can also make your own mix using medium fir bark, charcoal and perlite. Soak the mix before potting so the roots will not dry out during the potting process. Lining the basket with newspaper will help keep your medium in place until the roots of the plant grow. You may need to repot ever two or three years if your plant is a vigorous grower, repot right after blooming and when you notice new growth because as they get crowded they tend to bloom less. These orchids can grow to be quite large so when planing your growing area for them leave plenty of room for the long wide leaves. If you can supply the cool nights and have plenty of room these special "bucket orchids" are not hard to grow. The first time you see one of these fantastic orchids in bloom, you will never forget the site.

I have located some excellent web sites that I am sure you will enjoy. Stop by and visit them to learn more about the marvelous Stanhopeas.

The Stanhopea Pages

Go To Page: 1 2 3