Features of the Stangopea orchid
The Stanophea orchids are a large family of about fifty species. They are found in the wild in the rainforests of South America, where they often grow on trees and on rocky cliffs.
They are characterized by large leaves and flowers, which have a rather complex structure. One elongated, shiny and fleshy leaf grows from the pseudobulb.
The flowers are very complex and attractive in appearance. Inflorescences hang from the base of the pesudobulb. 15-30 centimeters long, they consist of one or more large, very fragrant flowers. On the lip of the flower, there are two outgrowths resembling bull horns, from which the stangopea received its second name – “bull orchid”.
The flowers last for several days, but the plants often bloom several times a year. Many Stanhopeas bloom in summer and some in autumn. A characteristic feature of stanhopei is the incredibly intense aroma of its flowers,
Stanophea orchid care
Location
Light for Stangopea orchids is of particular importance. The orchid flower is very demanding on light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. The leaves are sensitive and can be damaged by direct sunlight, which can cause burns and damage the plant.
The color of the leaves helps to understand the symptoms and allows you to solve the problem:
- if the leaves are bright green – the place is ideally chosen;
- dark color – it is better to move the orchid to a lighter environment;
- the leaves are dull and yellowish – the light is too strong.
Temperature
They like the heat and high humidity of the environment. At higher temperatures, it is necessary to increase air circulation, and the humidity of the environment. The ideal temperature is 11-16°C in winter and 20-24°C in summer.
They are intolerant of cold, so in winter they should be moved indoors or to a temperate greenhouse where the temperature is kept at 15-20°C. Often cooler nighttime temperatures encourage flowering. To encourage flowering, it is good to keep Stanhopea at around 15-16°C.
Orchids are also sensitive to drafts and large temperature fluctuations.
substrate
To get a beautiful plant, it is important to choose the type of soil that is most suitable for it. In nature, most epiphytic orchids grow on a tree or in a rock crevice, so they need a substrate made up of light and airy materials that can retain water and support roots, such as pieces of bark, coconut fibers, sphagnum. Stores sell bags of substrate specifically for orchids.
The ideal substrate for Stanhopea is pine bark mixed with sphagnum.
Watering
How to water these orchids? These orchids need a lot of water, which must be introduced regularly, without allowing the substrate to dry out. Stangopea loves to be well hydrated all the time. Although orchids love moisture, too much water is bad for them. Watering depends on the temperature and humidity level in which they are. In summer, watering should be plentiful, the substrate should be constantly moist. In autumn and winter, watering can be reduced or suspended when new shoots appear to stimulate flowering.
It is very important not to let these plants dry out completely, as their pseudobulbs will shrivel. This will affect how well the plant will continue to grow. Giving them more water makes it difficult to revive them.
Note! When watering, water should not get inside young, not yet unfolded leaves. This can lead to rotting of the leaves, a sign of which is their yellowing.
Fertilizer
Fertilize Stanhopea at regular intervals. This orchid requires an addition of fertilizer once a month. Apply a special fertilizer for orchids mixed with water for irrigation.
Slow-release fertilizer granules are added between the main fertilization to keep the plants growing well. These granules can be administered every one or two weeks. Too much fertilizer can harm orchids.
Breeding
Reproduction of Stangopei can be done by dividing the pseudobulb by 3-4. parts Each part must have roots to promote the rapid development of a new plant.
pruning
The plant does not require pruning, it is enough to remove gradually drying leaves and flowers.
Transfer
It is recommended to choose certain types of pots in order to increase the overall aesthetic effect of these orchids blooming. They are usually grown in hanging baskets. The florets develop downwards, so these plants do best at height. These orchids can be grown in mesh pots, but are much better in hanging baskets.
Diseases and parasites affecting orchids
The most common problems with orchids are:
- excessive watering can lead to wilting of the leaves or rotting of the roots;
- too bright or direct light can cause burns on orchid leaves;
- lack of light can lead to the formation of very long leaves, and the reason that the orchid will not bloom again;
- lack of water causes wilting of leaves;
- Pests and insects such as aphids and mealybugs can attack orchids.
Poorly drained substrate and poorly ventilated growing conditions encourage root rot, which compromises the growth and development of Stanophea. In these cases, limit watering, and do not leave the soil too wet.
Species of Stanhopea orchids
Stanhopea tigrina is more common in the collections of amateur flower growers. It blooms in July-September with large flowers up to 16 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences of 2-4 pieces. Spotted yellow petals and sepals with large bright red bracts. There are a pair of sickle-shaped horns on the lip. The duration of flowering is 2-4 days.
Other types :
- Stanhopea Candida – white orchid, blooms from winter to spring On hanging stems from one to five fragrant flowers 7 cm in diameter.
- Stanhopea martiana is a red and white orchid.
- Stanhopea graveolens with red, yellow and white flowers,
- Stanhopea ocutata LdL. Flowers up to 12 cm in diameter. Petals and sepals are light yellow, creamy white with red dots. Stanhopea occulata is so unpretentious that it can be one of the first orchids for beginners.
- Stanhopea panamensis has white flowers with small brown spots all over the flower. One of the rarest forms.
Stanchopea can decorate terraces and balconies, especially when grown in hanging containers. It is necessary to take into account the needs of growing a plant: and temperature.
