One of the most fragrant orchids are the Stanhopea orchids an epiphytic orchid native to South America. Stanhopea Orchids are suitable for growing in baskets and are widely grown from Brisbane down to Melbourne and will cope with all but the coldest climates. Keep moist during the warmer months.
These are a summer flowering orchid, for the flowers, combined with the fragrance on warm summer days is really a highlight.
How to Grow Stanhopea Orchids
These orchids need be grown in a slatted orchid basket or a hanging basket, and for very good reason, the flowers actually grow out from the bottom of the plant, grow them in a pot and the flowers just ‘cant get out’, teak orchid baskets are ideal as they do not rot.
Try a shade house with 30% – 50% shade cloth. Slatted or wire hanging baskets lined with sphagnum moss, bark and coir seem to work well for Stanhopea species. They do not like to dry out at all although less water during the cooler months, being a summer flowering species, they do not like to be to wet when dormant.
It is unlikely that you will pick these up at your local nursery or ‘Big Box’ however you can buy them online.
Stanhopea Orchid Species
- Stanhopea candida is a beautiful pure white species while
- Stanhopea martiana is a deep red and white orchid.
- Other species include Stanhopea graveolens, Stanhopea tigrina with its wonderful red, yellow and white flowers, Stanhopea oculata and Stanhopea wardii with its yellow flowers are popular species of this interesting orchid that prefers to grow in slatted orchid baskets.
- Stanhopea panamensis with its wonderful white and crimson flecked flowers, a yellow lip and a chocolaty, vanilla fragrance is one of the rarest forms.
Stanhopea Orchids are sometimes called ‘Bucket Orchids’.
Summary
A slatted orchid basket, grow in sphagnum moss with a little bark fibre, 60 – 70% humidity, no direct sun, bright filtered light and temperatures from 25C daytime to 8C at night. Good air circulation, keep moist, but s always do not over water. Your Stanhopeas will love it
Stanhopea Orchids are available for sale form the following nurseries
P.O.Box 114 Bowraville NSW 2449 - phone: 02 65644088 fax: 02 65644088
Rare orchid species and select hybrids. African species. Bulbophyllums. Lycastes. Paphiopedilums. Dendrochilums. Gongoras. Aerangis. Stanhopea and much more.
www.darkstarorchids.com.au