Stanhopea tigrina
Also known as: Information to be completed
A medium to large-sized epiphytic orchid with broadly elliptic, dark green, leathery leaves. The plant produces a large clump of ovoid, ribbed pseudobulbs (thickened stem at the base of each growth), which serve as a storage organ for water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb carries one 40cm long and 10cm wide leaf. Pendant flower stems emerge from basket base in summer and autumn and carry 2-8 large, fleshy yellow flowers with dark red markings. Each sweetly scented flower is up to 20cm large. The flowers are short-lived, lasting only 2-4 days, but large plants produce numerous racemes that flower in succession. This orchid has evolved in a unique way - to mimic and deceive its pollinator. Downwards facing, complex flowers are pollinated by male Eugossine bees (also called Orchid Bees) that confuse the flowers for females.
Scientific classification
- Species
- Stanhopea tigrina (Stanhopea tigrina)
- 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
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Stanhopea tigrina pictures
Distribution of Stanhopea tigrina
Distribution map
Mexico
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of Stanhopea tigrina
Information to be completed
Stanhopea tigrina care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
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.
People also ask
Information to be completed
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
Explore the plant health library →
