Stanhopea insignis
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A medium-sized, warm-growing, epiphytic orchid. The complex flowers of this orchid evolved in a unique way - to perfectly mimic and deceive their pollinator. Downwards facing flowers are pollinated by male Euglossine bees (also known as Orchid Bees) that confuse the flowers for females. The plant produces a large clump of ovoid pseudobulbs (thickened stem on the base of each growth) which serve as a storage organ for water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb carries one large, elliptic, dark green leathery leaf. Pendant flower stems up to 25cm long emerge from the base of the basket in late summer and autumn and carry several large, waxy, flowers. The flowers are short-lived, lasting only 2-4 days, but large plants produce many inflorescences that flower in succesion. Each flower is approximately 14cm large, pale cream or yellow with dark maroon centre. Flowers produce heavy, pleasantly sweet fragrance.
Scientific classification
- Species
- Stanhopea insignis (Stanhopea insignis)
- Genus
- Stanhopea
- Family
- Orchidaceae
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- 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 insignis pictures
Distribution of Stanhopea insignis
Distribution map
S and Southeastern Brazil
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of Stanhopea insignis
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Stanhopea insignis care guide
- Daily root misting, deep soak roots every three warm weather days
- Watering
- Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
Watering
Daily root misting, deep soak roots every three warm weather days
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth
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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