Stanhopea florida

Also known as: The Flowery Stanhopea in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Provincia del Canar - Ecuador

General Information

The Flowery Stanhopea is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador.

Altitude
950 - 1800 m
0
2500
Size
25 - 75 cm
Miniature
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Giant
Flower Size
0.1 - 6.5 cm
Small
Medium
Large
Humidity
87 - 89 %
0
100
Temperature
9 - 22 °C
Cold
Cool
Intermediate
Warm
Hot
Water
40 - 59 %
Keep Dry
Low
Medium
High
Keep Moist
Light
22000 - 32000 lux
Full Shade
Low
Medium
High
Full Sun

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25-40cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped leaves that grow to 7-35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3.5-4.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth and forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

  • Coarse
  • Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at 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 are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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. Repotting is best done annually.

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