Stanhopea connata

Also known as: The Grown or Stanhopea tadeasi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amazonas - Colombia Amazonas - Peru Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador

General Information

The Grown is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 10-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.3-4.5cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 203mm to 381mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 87% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 14C to 25C, highest in March (15C to 25C) and lowest in January (14C to 23C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks or Fern slabs.