Stanhopea gibbosa

Also known as: The Humped Stanhopea or Stanhopea carchiensis Stanhopea impressa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Antioquia - Colombia Costa Rica Departamento de Matagalpa - Nicaragua Departamento del Huila - Colombia Honduras

General Information

The Humped Stanhopea is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic oblong shaped leaves that grow to 7-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.3-3.5cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as strong

Blooming Season

• Summer

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 71mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 82% to 94%, highest in May and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 15C to 24C, highest in June (18C to 24C) and lowest in January (15C 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.

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.