Stanhopea sp.

Stanhopea sp. prefers a semi-shade exposure, filtered light with a few hours of morning or late afternoon sun.

These small plants grow 2-5 feet tall and typically are epiphytic in nature. Stanhopea should be grown in a medium that is open and rapidly draining, such as fir bark or cork mounted on cork slabs, mounted boards or tree fern slabs. Stanhopea thrives in heat and humidity, and should be grown in USDA Zones 9-11. Watering should be regular so as to keep the growing medium moderately moist but never wet.

Stanhopea is known for its unusual, large and fragrant flowers that are usually a combination of white, off-white, red, crimson and vinous, yellow, orange, and other colors. The flowers generally last from multiple days up to a couple of weeks. The fragrant flowers of Stanhopea will open in the morning, and close up at early evening.

For those in colder regions, Stanhopea can be grown indoors in pots, but it should be kept warm, and given plenty of indirect light and high humidity. Watering should also be regular, and just enough to keep the roots lightly moist but never waterlogged. It is important to keep the environmental temperature above or around 70°F to ensure successful growth and blooming of Stanhopea.