Stanhopea graveolens

Also known as: The Very Fragrant Stanhopea or Stanhopea wardii var. venusta Stanhopea graveolens var. inodora Stanhopea graveolens var. alba Stanhopea graveolens var. venusta Stanhopea graveolens var. major Stanhopea graveolens var. aurata Stanhopea aurata Stanhopea purpusii Stanhopea wardii var. froebeliana in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Belize Honduras Mexico Panama

General Information

The Very Fragrant Stanhopea is a small to medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Belize, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50-60cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 7-60cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-8cm

Flowers

Numerous short lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 9C to 24C, highest in April (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).

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.

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.