The Stanhopea subtribe contains some of the most bizarre and
complex flowers in the orchid family. Paphinias are fairly
small plants, only a half-foot tall or so, but have large flowers
up to 5 inches across. Peristeria elata, the national flower of
Panama, has leaves up to 4 feet in length, but small 1 inch
flowers that look like they have a dove sitting in them.
Gongoras look like a swarm of small, flying dragons.
Stanhopeas themselves are quite interesting, with flowers
ranging from two inches to over eight inches across. They are
sweetly and highly fragrant, almost overpoweringly so. One
plant can produce enough perfume to fill an entire room. Each
fragrance is distinct, at least to the visiting pollinator, as each
Stanhopea species lures specific bees. The flowers vary from
pure white to yellow and orange, and may have fine spots,
irregular rings, or heavy blotches. The lip is very fleshy, and
some have two dark "eyes" at the base of the lip. Most
Stanhopeas bloom from late summer through the autumn
months. Their flowers only last a few days before they self-destruct,
but their fragrance is not soon forgotten. Other
orchids related to Stanhopeas include Acineta, Coryanthes,
Polycicnis and several others, and their culture is fairly
similar.
One of the most predominant features of Stanhopeas is their
sharply pendent flower spikes. Because of this they should be
grown in baskets. Wooden slatted baskets work well, as long
as the space between the slats are far enough apart to allow the
spike to grow downward. Osmunda is the best media for
baskets, but New Zealand sphagnum moss or fir bark will also
work, but the bark may fall through the slats. Wire baskets are
also well-suited for Stanhopeas. These may be lined with
sphagnum or coconut fiber and filled with bark mix, or you
may use osmunda by itself.
Stanhopeas do well with day temperatures ranging from 70°
to 80°F, and night temperatures from 55° to 60°F.
Stanhopeas prefer shady conditions, and some growers hang
them under the benches. If suspended from the roof of a
greenhouse, give them plenty of shade. Air movement is a
must with these orchids, to help prevent leaf spotting. Supply
a liberal amount of water during the growing season, and
allow to dry slightly between waterings after the blooming
season. Watering Stanhopeas indoors may get a little messy,
so dunking plants in a bucket of water or watering in a sink
may be necessary. Fertilize with a balanced formula during
the growing season, but only mildly if the plants are grown in
osmunda, as osmunda releases nutrients as it decays. These
are easy growing orchids, if you have the room.