Stanhopea whittenii

Also known as: Whitten's Stanhopea in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Belize Chiapas - Mexico Guatemala

General Information

Whitten's Stanhopea is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Belize, Mexico and Guatemala. It is named after the American Botanist in Florida.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.25-50cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic leaf that grows to 0.3-50cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.7-10cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

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

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 333mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in August. Humidity ranges from 82% to 90%, highest in January and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in May (17C to 26C) and lowest in January (13C to 18C).

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.