Stanhopea orchids were first described by John Frost ex Sir William Jackson Hooker in 1829 through publication of Stanhopea insignis in the Botanical Magazine. They are a genus of epiphytic, sympodial orchids from Central and South America that produce pendant inflorescences. Sympodial orchids have multiple stalks or pseudobulbs (bulblike stem structures) that give the appearance of a creeping habit with each appearing larger than the previous. The inflorescences are typically found flowering from the bottom of their growing containers and is why many are grown in baskets. In nature, the aerial roots often grow upwards to build a nest that collect leaves or dust to supply the plants with nutrients. The Stanhopea genus is named after the 4th Earl of Stanhope - Philip Henry Stanhope - president of the Medico-Botanical Society of London (1829-1837).
The plants for sale in this listing are a hybrid of Stanhopea nigroviolacea x grandiflora with Stanhopea saccata x insignis. You will receive 1 plant that is a hybrid of the prior mentioned species. Species information is listed below. When ordering, please note the hanging basket option listed is for a single plant in a green, coated wire basket roughly 6" long, by 5" wide, by 4" tall. The soilless mixture option will NOT include a hanging basket or pot.
Stanhopea nigroviolacea (1845) is considered synonymous with Stanhopea tigrina and is one of the larger flowering orchids found on the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateau at elevations of 3900 to 6500 feet above sea level. They bloom during summer and fall with 2 to 3 fragrant flowers up to 7" wide. Flowers are mainly maroon and white or cream with maroon accents. AKA "The Black Purple Stanhopea"
Stanhopea grandiflora (1832) are found in forest trees of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guyana, Surinam, Brazil, and Trinidad at elevations of 320 to 3200 feet above sea level. They bloom from spring to fall with up to two, fragrant, 6" flowers. Flowers are mainly a white with mint green and light orange to peach accent. AKA "The Large Flowered Stanhopea"
Stanhopea saccata (1839) are native to the wet forests of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama at elevations of 1300 to 4900 feet above sea level. Plants usually bloom in the summer with one or two (up to 4) fragrant flowers up to 4" wide. Flowers are mainly a pale yellow to yellow-green with small accents of orange and burgundy. AKA "The Sack-Shaped Stanhopea"
Stanhopea insignis (1829) are found in the dry montane forests of Brazil at elevations of 200 to 1000 feet above sea level. Plants bloom from summer to fall with several, fragrant flowers up to 5.5" wide. Flowers are a white to pale pink with tints and shades of a red to burgundy. AKA "The Grand Stanhopea"
6" Basket (coated wire) displayed in images #1 to #6
Orchid flowers in image #7
*You will receive a plant similar to the one(s) pictured (basket option displayed). Plants may or may not have dried ends, torn/broken leaves, but is unlikely. Not all leaves of this plant may be present when shipping as seen in the photos. Although they may ship sooner, this item is considered pre-order as they require additional processing time being that they are harvested or prepared as ordered. This plant may show high levels of stress from transit through yellow, drooping, or dropping of leaves. It may take an additional 2-3 weeks to recover.
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Foliage:
Multiple ovate pseudobulbs formed along the base carrying a long, plicate, dark to medium green, elliptic, lanceolate, acute leaf with distinct, grooved petioles. Pseudobulbs range from small to large.
Blooms:
Flowers are mainly a white to cream with accents of yellow, oranges, reds, and deep violets on spikes up to 8" long. Inflorescence is a pendant raceme of medium to large spiral flowers that are often fragrant in sweet and spicy scents. Cooler night temperatures and warmer daytime temperatures usually promote flowering. Flowers last about 3-4 days.
Zoned:
10-12
Environment:
Medium to high humidity. It will usually tolerate indoor levels, but maybe with difficulty, and would appear livelier in a more humid environment. Grows best in 50-75 degrees F and will tolerate as low as 45 degrees for a very, very short period of time. Needs good air circulation - not suitable for closed terrariums or containers.
Light:
Bright indirect light, similar to Cattleyas. Try to avoid North-facing windows due to lack of sufficient lighting. Leaves will burn under direct sunlight.
Soil:
Orchid mix, medium fir bark, Sphagnum moss, or superior-draining soilless mix. Mixture should always be loose, airy, and drain well. Basket base layer can be made of coconut husk, coconut chip, or even newspaper as the plants are growing out their roots.
Water:
Mist thoroughly (or water evenly) every 2-5 days depending on humidity and heat. Decrease watering if the humidity levels are higher. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Soggy leaves or overly damp soil may encourage leaf drop and disease. Decrease water in winter. Shriveled pseudobulbs are a sign of underwatering/incorrect potting mixture and will not regain their growth. If growing on bark or cork, you may need to water daily and ensure the humidity stays above 60%.
Fertilizer:
Use a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing period. It is advisable to use a epiphyte fertilizer mix or a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to 1/4 of the directions.
Notes:
This plant is not considered toxic, but should not be consumed. Consumption may lead to stomach discomfort or upset. Plants are shipped with light wrapping and padding according to import/export regulations. Shipping usually occurs on Monday and Tuesday to minimize risk of damage to plants in transit. You may request shipping Wednesday - Friday provided your understanding the live-arrive guarantee is void. Prior to shipping, please contact the shop with questions or concerns and familiarize yourself with the shipping policy in FAQ section. Pot, driftwood, or grapewood in images not included.
