Stanhopea grandiflora
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A medium-sized, epiphytic, tropical orchid that has evolved in a unique way - to perfectly mimic and deceive their pollinator. Downwards facing flowers are pollinated by male Euglossine bees (also called Orchid Bees) that confuse the flowers for females. The plant produces a clump of ovoid, ribbed pseudobulbs (thickened stem on the base of each growth) which serve as storage organ for water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb carries one large, elliptic, dark green leathery leaf. Flower stems emerge from the base of the basket in summer and autumn, bearing 1-2, fragrant, waxy flowers. Large, white, short-lived flowers measure up to 15cm across, and carry sweet, jasmine fragrance.
Scientific classification
- Species
- Stanhopea grandiflora (Stanhopea grandiflora)
- Genus
- Stanhopea
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Plant type
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Clump forming
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
Stanhopea grandiflora pictures
Distribution of Stanhopea grandiflora
Distribution map
Tropical America
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of Stanhopea grandiflora
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Stanhopea grandiflora care guide
- Soak root medium weekly, allow partial substrate dryness between soaks
- Watering
- Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
Watering
Soak root medium weekly, allow partial substrate dryness between soaks
Fertilizing
FertilizingExtremely diluted orchid foliar feed once monthly warm growing season
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required. Remove spent flowers after flowering.
Propagation
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Growing
GrowingGrow in a hanging basket lined with moss, in an open, bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite and sphagnum moss. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. May be grown in intermediate to warm conditions with temperatures between 12-30 °C. Seasonal and daily fluctuation of temperatures encourage flowering. Average humidity of 50-70% is sufficient and watering should be frequent enough during growing season (approximately once per week), with being reduced by half during winter months. Large specimens produce best flowering, however it is desirable to repot plants every few years to avoid stale, disintegrated potting mix.
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to bacterial spots on the leaves caused by insufficient ventilation combined with overhead watering but generally disease-free
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects or mealybugs but generally pest-free
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