Essence of Stanhopea

Stanhopea inodora "Point Loma"

2012-01-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

Last season I've acquired this nice stanhopea and been waiting to see it's flowers - its stanhopea inodora "Point Loma" HCC/AOS. It's very nice variety of inodora, displaying deep lime green color with dots on the overlapping petals and deep yellow middle.

Like with all inodora's there is no scent ( inodora means "without fragrance, non-fragrant"), the colors are very nice and as the flowers mature the colors go more intence and luminous. The plant grows quickly, developing many new shoots and bulbs this season.

At this stage only one flower spike developed with 4 beautiful blooms and I am looking forward seeing more of them in the future.

Stanhopea Assidensis

2012-01-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

This handsome orchid just finished it's flowering season. It's stanhopea Assidensis very nice hybrid between stanhopea tigrina x stanhopea wardii. It's one of the earlier crossess registered by Goldchmidt of Royal Horticultural Society in 1922.

The flowers of this cross are large and full, pale pink color with many darker pink spots and blotches with dark burgundy eyes, the scent is very fragrant vanilla/ marchmallow combination, strong and penetrating and lasts a very long time. It's very generous cross, producing many flower spikes during growing season.

It's another distinct orchid that will delight any stanhopea grower.

Stanhopea saccata "Rene"

2012-01-05T16:20:00.001-08:00

This orchid is another recent addition to my collection and it's just finished it's flowering - it's stanhopea saccata "Rene" and it's beautiful, flamboyant looking stanhopea.

The plant itself is of the smallish size with thin-looking leaves, but the flowers quite large and showy with many beautiful bright colors and tones. Deep yellow, lime green, white and many purple dots sprinckled all over the blooms, giving kind of luminous appearance to the flowers.

The scent is very interesting , a bit difficult to describe and to me flowers smell a bit like fresh-cut apple, crisp and subtle - very unusual.

Stanhopea saccata "Rene" is very pretty variety and I am sure it will be welcome addition in any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea wardii x costaricensis

2012-01-01T10:24:00.001-08:00

This is another beautiful stanhopea from my collection that just finished its flowering – it’s a pretty cross of wardii x costaricensis. The blooms of this cross are large, sculptured and both parents contributed splendidly to this cross.

This orchid is very generous in terms of sending many flower spikes during its blooming season and the flowers predominantly white with yellow center and slight pink tingle on the petals with many dark pink colored spots. The scent is very strong, sweet with smell of bergamot in the background – very lovely and pleasant combination.

This orchid constantly developing new leaves and bulbs during growing season thus quickly maturing and it’s another wonderful stanhopea for any collector of these astonishing plants.

Stanhopea devoniensis x Assidensis

2011-12-29T11:03:00.001-08:00

This interesting cross just finished its flowering – its stanhopea devoniensis x Assidensis, very old hybrid of two popular stanhopea’s. Technically it’s of course is a triple cross, since stanhopea Assidensis also a cross between stanhopea Tigrina x stanhopea wardii.

Stanhopea devoniensis is very old name for stanhopea hernandezii that was used until early 1900’s and this plant have a lot of characteristics of all of its parents. It’s rather slow growing orchid and it takes it’s time to flower, I’ve had it for a number of years and was looking forward to see it in bloom for a while.

The flowers are large, pale apricot color with a bit darker in the middle with many dark burgundy color spots all over the blooms. The scent is very fruity, sweet and spicy that is very strong and stable and lasts a long time. It’s a beautiful stanhopea to have in one’s collection.

Stanhopea Memoria Paul Allen

2011-09-16T17:07:00.001-07:00

This handsome stanhopea first one to flower this season for me and its stanhopea Memoria Paul Allen, beautiful cross of stanhopea ecornuta x tigrina.

It was created and registered by W.W.Goodale Moir, well known Hawaiian orchid hybridizer and pioneer in intergeneric hybrids in late 1960,s and to this day stanhopea Memoria Paul Allen reminds one of the beautiful and desired stanhopea for any collector of these stunning orchids.

This cross is loved by stanhopea lovers all over the world for its dramatic, eye-catching flowers, impressive colors of blooms and dazzling, heavenly scent.

It’s quite generous cross in terms of developing many flower spikes, this season my plant developed five flower spikes and the one in the picture is the first to flower. I am looking forward to extended flowering period from this plant.

Each flower spike develops two large sculptured blooms of white/yellow middle color with many dark pink spots and blotches. The scent is rather complicated, layered with initial strong smell of vanilla and then herbal and spicy undertones. The flowers themselves have this fused middle and very special appearance, showing both of its parents splendidly.

Stanhopea Mem Paul Allen is another special stanhopea to love and to admire for any stanhopea collector.

Stanhopea’s – new growing season

2011-09-09T18:14:00.001-07:00

Here we are right at the beginning of spring and my stanhopea orchids already preparing for another fabulous growing season. Quite a few of my plants already have flowering spikes and I’ve been watching them grow with a lot of anticipation, welcoming flowering time of old-favorites and eager to meet and to see new for me species, varieties and crosses.

Our weather is a bit temperamental at the moment – warm days followed by colder spells, yet nothing can stop this stanhopea’s growing cycle – some of my plants developing multiple flower spikes on each plant, promising quite a show at flowering time. I am hoping to feature more of these beautiful, majestic orchids this summer, since my collection steadily increasing and I am looking forward to another flowering season.

So, the waiting game begins…

Stanhopea saccata

2011-04-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here is another interesting stanhopea from my collection that finished flowering not long ago. It’s stanhopea saccata and it’s one of the oldest documented stanhopea species. It was first discovered in late 1830’s in humid forests of Guatemala and since then been fascinating stanhopea collectors.
It’s very flamboyant looking stanhopea with large sculptured flowers. I took this picture when blooms just started to unfold and open and it’s showing its beautiful coloring – white with specs petals and yellow/ pale green slightly edged middle. As the flower matures, in a day or two, the colors became more intense and blooms elongated. The scent of stanhopea saccata is first strong cinnamon and then in a background a bit of orange mix – very pleasing combination.
This is another beautiful stanhopea orchid to admire and to cherish and to welcome to any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea inodora “Belize”

2011-03-29T12:42:00.001-07:00

This beautiful variety of inodora just finished its flowering season – its var “Belize” and it’s very handsome variety of inodora to have in one’s collection.

It flowers with large, sculptured lime-green color blooms with a few red specks on the petals displaying full, showy blooms with red “eyes” and golden color middle. The scent is very strong herbal/spicy/medicinal with many undertones to it and it’s very stable, lasting a long time.

Most of the inodora’s stanhopeas native to wet mountain forests of Mexico and Nicaragua, displaying white-colored, unscented blooms, however this variety from Belize have different coloring and smell, making it another desired stanhopea for a collection.

It needs slightly different cultivation techniques to bring it to flower – it prefers drier and warmer winter situation and a lot of watering during active growing season. It’s very generous and fast growing stanhopea, sending many flower spikes during blooming time.

Stanhopea inodora “Belize” is another special and beautiful stanhopea to love and to admire.

Stanhopea grandiflora x connata

2011-03-18T18:11:00.001-07:00

This beautiful cross of stanhopea grandiflora x connata just finished its flowering season. It’s another new stanhopea for me, so it was interesting to see its flowering and establishing place in my ever-expanding collection.

Both parents splendidly represented in this cross – from connata it inherited beautiful yellow/orange buffed, buttered color with many red specs and dots, with hypochil kind of condensed towards the base of the flower, and from grandiflora large, slightly droopy blooms that never fully opened. The flowers are large and waxy in texture, thick to the touch.

The scent is very complicated, very forceful and penetrating and initial scent is very
strong scent of myrrh, then secondary scent of spices takes over – clove, cinnamon being most dominating – very nice combination.

Stanhopea grandiflora x connata is another beautiful, special stanhopea that delights with its lovely unusual and superior blooms.

Stanhopea hernandezii

2011-03-12T15:17:00.001-08:00

This is another beautiful stanhopea with very colorful history. It was named after Fernando Hernandez, scholar of medical and other natural sciences from Toledo, Spain who was instructed by King Philipp II of Spain in 1569 to complete natural history of plants, minerals and animals of Nueva Espania (Mexico). Hernandez travelled through Mexico and documented and described everything he came across with and in 1576 total of 16 volumes was completed called “ De Rerum Medicarum Nova Hispaniae Thesaurus”. Five of the plants he encountered on his journey were orchids and one of them was stanhopea. Unfortunately, he died in 1578, without seeing his life-work printed, and in 1671 medico-botanical part of his work only was published, with everything else burnt later. It’s interesting that only in 1918 stanhopea that he described and documented was finally named after him – stanhopea hernandezii.

Stanhopea heranadezii is a very decorative orchid and can be a bit of a challenge to bring it to flower. It prefers a lot of moisture during growing season and dry, warm period during winter. The plant itself is on the smallish size compared to other stanhopea’s, yet the flowers a large and full. My plant sent one flower spike with two beautiful flowers early in the season and then about a month later another flower spike appeared with another two flowers, making it a double flowering this summer.

It’s striking, beautiful, dramatic looking stanhopea and another variety to admire and cherish for any stanhopea collector.

Stanhopea oculata x nigroviolacea

2011-03-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

This beautiful stanhopea cross of oculata and nigroviolacea just finished it's flowering season. Both parents splendidly represented in this cross and it flowers with large sculptured blooms that have heavenly scent of vanilla, marshmallow and a touch of chocolate.

The blooms have many dark pink color markings and splashes on pale pink background and flowers very nicely shaped and defined.

I am sure this cross will be another welcome addition to any stanhopea collector who appreciates these dramatic and striking orchids.

Stanhopea graveolens x costaricensis

2011-02-24T10:44:00.001-08:00

Another of my stanhopea’s just finished its flowering season. It’s beautiful cross of graveolens and costaricensis. It’s very vigorous orchid, sending many flower spikes during its blooming cycle and at the same time developing many new leaves that maturing quickly.

The flowers of this cross are large and sculptured, appears very delicate, yet quite tough and strong. The color predominately white with yellow center with many purple color dots dusted around the blooms. The scent is very strong nutmeg, pungent and penetrating and has many spicy secondary notes to it, an absolute delight!

It’s another beautiful orchid to have in one’s collection and to admire magic of stanhopea’s blooms.

Stanhopea nigripes

2011-02-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

The history of stanhopea nigripes, like of many orchids, shrouded in a bit of mystery. This beautiful and special stanhopea first flowered in Kew in late 1890’s from a plant purchased in auction a few years earlier. For many years origin of this stanhopea was unknown and that only plant was displayed and studied by various botanists.

In 1960’s further research was completed on this specie and these days we know that stanhopea nigripes native to wet mountain rainforests of Peru and growing at an elevation of 1900 meters.

My plant just finished its first flowering and I took some pictures of it’s beautiful blooms. At the moment it’s starting to develop another spike, giving a second blooming this season. It’s quite vigorous and generous stanhopea.

The flowers are large, dark cream color with a shade darker overlapping petals and very big, distinct black “eyes”. The scent is very unusual, it smells of “smoke” – very strong and penetrating. When the flowers unfolded, one could smell smoke everywhere and people commented that there must be “bush fires” nearby, but of course, it was this stanhopea’s unique scent.

Stanhopea nigripes is another wonderful and unusual orchid to add to any stanhopea collection and it delights me to be able to share its magic this flowering season.

Stanhopea oculata var pallida

2011-01-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here is an introduction to another rare and special stanhopea variety, it’s just finished its flowering season and its stanhopea oculata var pallida – very old and unusual form of oculata. It was first discovered in 1850’s in wet mountain forests of Northern Colombia and to this day one do not see many plants of this variety in cultivation.

It have pristine white large sculptured blooms with many tiny pale pink color specs all over the flowers, the hypochil (middle) is rather elongated and stretched, dark orange color and the dark “eyes” extended around the middle from inside and outside – very unusual feature. This must be very cunning way this variety attracting special insect in the wild for pollination.

The scent is sweet, heady and strong and lingers for a long time. The plant is vigorous, very generous with new growth that maturing quickly.

Stanhopea oculata var pallida is another beautiful addition to any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea tigrina var albescens

2011-01-23T17:00:00.001-08:00

This “gold” colored form of stanhopea tigrina from my collection currently in flower. Its rare variety albescens and it’s presenting all characteristics of tigrina’s blooms, except tigrina’s colors.

The blooms are very large, measuring more than 26 cm across with two flowers developing on each flower spike. This variety have very large and broad lip and long wide horns. The scent is intense, penetrating strong vanilla smell that lingers for a very long time.

Stanhopea tigrina var albescens is another beautiful and unusual orchid for collectors of these unique orchids and it delights with its distinctive appearance and blooms.

Stanhopea haselowiana

2011-01-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Being discovered by famous orchid collector, Joseph Warscewicz, a Lithuanian of Polish descent, who made several expeditions into Central and South America during period 1840 to 1850, stanhopea haselowiana to this day remains one of the beautiful and special desired stanhopea’s for any collector of these magical orchids. It was found by Warscewicz on the eastern slopes of the Andes, in wet mountain forests of Peru and as far as I know, for many many years stanhopea haselowiana was classified as nomen obscurum, i.e. no one could correctly classify it, since no more plants were collected of this specie for a very long time.

These days, stanhopea haselowiana seems to be seldom in cultivation and to see one in bloom gives me great enjoyment and delight.

My plant just finished its flowering season, this year it developed couple of flower spikes with four stunning flowers each. The flowers are very large in size, much larger than other stanhopea’s, pastel, very pale pink color with many darker shade pink spots and blotches all over the blooms and the scent is very complicated with many tones to it. The initial scent is a sweet, herbal mixture and then very strong, pleasant and penetrating smell of myrrh – an absolute delight!

Another gorgeous stanhopea to love and to admire and to marvel at Nature for creating such magical and special orchid.

Stanhopea x fowlieana

2011-01-06T11:42:00.001-08:00

This very special and rare stanhopea orchid from my collection just finished flowering this season – it’s stanhopea x fowlieana and it’s natural hybrid between stanhopea costaricensis and stanhopea ecornuta.

This hybrid was first documented in early 1970’s from collected plant in Costa Rica and to this day remains very rare and unusual stanhopea, not often seen in cultivation.

This orchid have very interesting flower structure – the horns very short and rudimentary, half of their front fused with the epichil, with long, slender and curved column. The color of the flower mostly white with red spots dusted all over the blooms. The scent is very complex, after the first note of sweet fragrance one can smell many secondary notes of spice, clove and herbal combinations.

Stanhopea x fowlieana is unusual and rare natural hybrid to love and to admire for any stanhopea collector and it delights me to be able to see and share its special, rare and magical beauty.

Stanhopea embreei

2010-12-17T12:06:00.001-08:00

This stanhopea orchid one of the first one’s to flower this season in my collection and it’s another beautiful stanhopea to admire.

Stanhopea embreei native to Ecuador, mostly from the western slopes of Andes. It’s relatively new specie, only been discovered in 1960’s and documented in 1980’s and becoming very popular with collectors.

The color of the the blooms mostly white with yellow centre and darker eyes, with very faint spots on the petals. The flowers are large with distinct fruity and spicy scent that is very strong and lingers for a long time. It’s quite vigorous plant, very generous in developing many new shoots and flower spikes during growing season, thus quickly maturing.

We are right in the middle of summer in our part of the world and hot humid days follow tropical rains and storms, just what these beautiful, special orchids love. New growth everywhere, many of my orchids developing flower spikes at the moment and I’ll be featuring many more of the wonderful varieties, crosses and species of stanhopea’s later on in this blog.

Stanhopea’s – another growing season

2010-09-28T18:53:00.001-07:00

Its first month of Spring in our part of the world and fabulous stanhopea orchids started waking up from their rest. As usual, there is a lot of anticipation on my part, being able to see again their beautiful blooms soon.

Each stanhopea growing season brings its own reward for me and again I am looking forward seeing old-favorites in blooms as well as new for me varieties and species. My own collection steadily increasing and I am hopping to feature some more of these magical orchids in this blog.

A lot of my plants started developing flowering spikes already and many of them very busy at the moment growing new leaves and pushing their roots through the planters – one can see new growth everywhere. So, the waiting game begins again…

How does one describe stanhopea orchid’s essence – bold, spectacular, rare, unusual, fascinating, astonishing, beautiful, amazing, majestic, primeval, frustrating, temperamental, capricious, unchanged, uncompromising and confident? But once they start flowering everything is forgotten – just this deep appreciation and honor to be able to share their unique vibrations and the magic of the new flowering season.

Stanhopea Tigrina var nigroviolacea var “Eddon” FCC/AOS

2010-06-05T23:58:00.001-07:00

This beautiful stanhopea is one of the special tigrina/nigroviolacea crosses and its variety Eddon”, another late blooming stanhopea orchid for our climate. It finished flowering right at the end of autumn, and with its special blooms extending stanhopea’s flowering season just a little bit further.

It’s a beautiful orchid with large special flowers, its petals are a bit relaxed and free flowing and it’s usually carry two large flowers on each flower spike, concentrating its growing energy in the size and scent of the blooms. It has all the markings of tigrina/nigroviolacea cross with heavenly sweet vanilla/chocolate scent that lingers for a very long time. “Eddon” variety is another stanhopea that delights with its distinctive blooms.

Stanhopea Tigolens “Pembro” – HCC/OSCOV

2010-04-02T13:36:00.001-07:00

Here is an introduction to another beautiful stanhopea orchid from my collection – its stanhopea Tigolens “Pembro” – one of the gorgeous crosses between stanhopea Tigrina and stanhopea graveolens. This cross was registered by R Mason in 2002 and regrettably not many plants of this hybrid seen around. This of course is unfortunate, since it’s such a handsome and special stanhopea.

The flowers of this cross are pristine white with many burgundy color marks and spots and large pink colored middle (hypochile) giving a kind of two-tone visual effect. The blooms are large and full and the scent is very strong, sweet unmistakingly vanilla with many pleasant undertones that reminds combination of herbs. In our climate it flowers at the end of stanhopea flowering season, in early autumn.

Stanhopea Tigolens “Pembro” is another stunning addition to any stanhopea orchid collection and I am sure would be appreciated for its rare beauty and form.

Stanhopea Ronsard

2010-03-19T17:28:00.001-07:00

This attractive stanhopea from my collection finished flowering not long ago – it’s one of the showy and striking stanhopea hybrids loved and admired by stanhopea collectors and lovers all over the world. Its stanhopea Ronsard and it was crossed by M Lecoufle of France in late 1980’s.

This handsome cross is of wardii x oculata producing intensely fragrant large flowers of beautiful shape, size and color. The blooms are strong yellow color with many maroon spots and large maroon eyes. The scent is very strong, penetrating, sweet and spicy with many pleasant undertones to it.

Another special stanhopea to love and to admire and for stanhopea collector one more majestic orchid to adore.

Stanhopea maculosa

2010-02-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

There are number of stanhopea species that are hardly ever seen in nature and even more rarely seen flowering in cultivation. One of them is stanhopea maculosa and this season it’s flowered first time in my collection.

It’s one of the extraordinary stanhopea species, first discovered in the Pacific coast of Mexico back in 1820’s and since then been alluding stanhopea collectors. There are only a small number of stanhopea maculosa in private collections and to see one flowering is an immense privilege and great honor.

The plant is of the small size and flowers are of medium size – my plant only developed one spike with two beautiful flowers. The flowers pastel cream color with many pink colored spots and the scent is intense sweet, reminiscent of apricots.

This specie is for the dedicated collector; it’s prefer to be drier in winter times and dislike being wet in colder temperatures. Its flowering is rather capricious and unpredictable, but when all said and done, and Sun and Earth and Soil and Air and all required elements come together in a specific season, it rewards patient stanhopea grower with its mysterious, magical, primal blooming energy.

Stanhopea ruckeri var speciosa

2010-02-13T11:18:00.001-08:00

This orchid is another new addition to my collection and this season was the first time that I’ve seen its flowers. Its stanhopea ruckeri var speciosa – very old and rare variety, its discovery in Honduras humid forests goes back to 1850’s. It’s not often seen in cultivation or stanhopea collections and another handsome plant to see and to admire.

The plant and flowers is of the medium size and the flowers have this lime green color with just a touch of yellow in the centre. The flowers have very light scent that’s difficult to describe, its smells of “freshness” – clean, crisp and bright. The blooms appear very delicate but actually quite tough and waxy.

Here in AU we are at the end of stanhopea flowering season. There are still a few of my plants that will be flowering shortly, but a majority of them finished it’s flowering and very busy with growing new growth. Our weather is rather hot, humid and rainy at the moment – just what these beautiful plants prefer and they are all showing tremendous growth in preparation for the next season.

Stanhopea costaricensis “Patsy”

2010-02-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

This stanhopea is one of the rare stunning orchids in the stanhopea range and I have been waiting for a while to see its special and beautiful blooms.

Its stanhopea costaricensis var “Patsy” from my collection and it’s finished flowering not long ago. It’s native to Costa Rica and it grows in shady, clouded, evergreen tropical forests and it flowering with these spectacular flowers.

The plant is of the medium size, yet the flowers are quite large and full. The main color is pristine white with many violet color spots all over the flower and huge very dark violet color “eyes”. The scent is very strong sweet floral, fruity, and slightly spicy with undertones of bergamot - extremely striking and pleasing to the eye and senses combination!

This is another stanhopea with “an attitude” – that’s how I describe plant that to me seems to have this bold, ancient energy that survived unchanged, uncompromised and confident. And it’s an absolute honor to be able to share its unique vibrations and to glimpse at its magnificence and its magic.

Stanhopea Tigrina var Red Devil

2010-01-25T11:16:00.001-08:00

This spectacular stanhopea Tigrina var Red Devil been around since 1980’s, however not many plants of this variety seen in cultivation. They are rather rare and it’s unfortunate, since it’s really beautiful and special stanhopea orchid.

It produces one of the biggest size flowers in the stanhopea orchids range and as you can see from the picture, the flowers are full and of generous size, measuring over 26 cm across. The flower spike usually carry only a couple of flowers and my plant developed only one spike with these two huge flowers, almost as if concentrating all of it’s energy on production of these magical blooms.

The color of the flower is pristine white with dark burgundy spots and splashes and the scent is strong, penetrating and heady vanilla that is unmistaken of the tigrina’s range.

This variety is one of the stunning orchids in stanhopea’s world and another variety to love and to admire.

Stanhopea Bellarensis x Inodora

2010-01-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

This one is one of the new stanhopea’s crosses and only been released not long ago. It’s flowering first time this season in my collection and it’s another new introduction for me.

Stanhopea Bellarensis x Inodora quite vigorous plant and very generous with flowers, sending out many spikes during flowering season.

The flowers are quite large, very pleasing light orange color with many purple specs all over the flower, with dark orange centre.

The flowers quite interesting – they have one pair of eyes on the outside of the flower and two pairs of eyes on the inside, making it very unusual feature for a stanhopea orchid. The scent is also interesting, like a combination of light vanilla mixed with herbs, very strong and penetrating and it lingers for a long time.

It’s an absolute delight to see this abundance of beautiful flowers and to watch and to experience magic of another wonderful stanhopea orchid.

Stanhopea graveolens var aurata

2010-01-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

Here is an introduction to one of the stanhopea’s in my collection – stanhopea graveolens var aurata. It’s one of the oldest recorded graveolens’s varieties, discovered in 1850’s in Guatemala and unfortunately, not many plants of this variety currently in cultivation.

What’s interesting about this variety is that flowers change colors as they mature – when flower unfolds, the color is while/ pale yellow with dark yellow centre and a few spots, but as the flower gets older, in a couple of days, it changes into deep dark, rich apricot hue. The scent is very strong and spicy, rather complicated, with many pungent undertones of clove, cinnamon, and all spice. The flowers appear delicate and light, but actually quite tough and waxy.

It’s one of the rare varieties in the stanhopea world and a beautiful and special orchid to have and to admire.

Stanhopea frymirei x self

2009-12-29T00:41:00.000-08:00

This beautiful and rather rare stanhopea frymirei in my collection just finished flowering. I’ve had this variety for some time now, yet it’s only flowered this season and I’ve been anticipating seeing its beauty for a while.

It’s relatively new species, only been documented since 1975 and its native to wet mountain forests of Ecuador on the western slopes of Andes.

The flowers are large, pristine white color with 2 large eyes and darker burgundy spots and the scent is very unique strong and fruity with many undertones to it – it lingers for a long time, releasing combination of strong cherry, apricot, raspberry and the whole “fruit punch” scent, very pleasing to the senses and absolutely loved by everyone who smells it.

This season my plant sent out 2 flowering spikes with 4 flowers on one and 3 on the other and as it was flowering, the orchid was developing new leaves and bulbs and it’s quite vigorous species.

I’m quite thrilled seeing this specie in flower for the first time, since not many of stanhopea frymirei seems in cultivation these days and I am sure that it deserves its proper place in any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea "Wetley Secret"

2009-12-19T11:34:00.000-08:00

This autumn and winter I was able to extend my ever-expanding collection by a few more stanhopea hybrids and species and one of them just finished flowering. Its stanhopea "Wetley Secret" – another very beautiful cross.

The flowers of this cross is huge, very full shape with delicate markings – pale creamy with touch of green and yellow with dark distinct burgundy spots all over the flowers and scent is rather strong and spicy. Both parents are splendidly represented in this cross.

The plant developed 2 flower spikes this season with 3 big flowers on each spike and I’ve been waiting for them to mature and to flower with a lot of anticipation – it’s always nice to welcome new variety to one’s collection and to get it to reveal its magical, mysterious blooms.

Stanhopea flower spikes - new season

2009-12-01T11:46:00.001-08:00

Another wonderful stanhopea’s growing season is upon us here in AU and many of my orchids started sending their flowering spikes. The anticipation of seeing their beautiful flowers once more been growing stronger each day.

Our weather been a bit temperamental lately – very hot few days followed by cooler temperatures and rains, but it’s not stopping this wonderful, much awaited blooming cycle. Earlier flowering varieties started developing flower spikes and mid-season and later flowering varieties very busy at the moment growing new leaves and bulbs.

As usual, nothing can stop the flowering spike in its way – on the photo I’ve captured development of one of flower spike – as it was growing, it was hitting the side of the planter, so it’s simply turned above it.

Another plant’s flowering spike was growing against planter, so it found opening between the slates to continue its growth.

Many people tell me that they afraid that when flowering spike hits any object it will stop growing – my personal experience is different, I love this shear determination of life force of stanhopea orchids to flower and to produce its magical blooms each season.

Stanhopea wardii var citrina

2009-09-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

It’s only first week of spring in our part of the world, but one of my earlier flowering stanhopea plants already in flower – it’s stanhopea wardii var citrina. This variety is from Colombia and relatively new in my collection. About few weeks ago, right in the middle of our winter I’ve noticed this plant started growing flower spikes which were very unusual, since we still had cold weather and I’ve been watching them grow since then.

This morning flowers opened up and I’ve captured them in this picture. The plant is of medium size and so are the flowers, however there are quite an abundance of them – one spike currently carry 11 flowers and another one developed 10, making it quite a beautiful flowering spectacle.

The flowers are of light mustard color, darker in the middle, with specks and eyes and the scent is distinct sweet citrus, like a combination of lemon and orange, all in one. This one is really beautiful and special stanhopea variety for a collector of these magical plants.

Stanhopea oculata var mexicana Fowlie

2009-04-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

Here is another stanhopea from my collection – stanhopea oculata var mexicana Fowlie. Even though it’s very old variety, being around since 1830’s, not many plants of this variety seen in cultivation.

It’s a beautiful stanhopea with very delicate dramatic looking flowers – distinct bright pink spots on pristine white color background with strong heady vanilla/spices scent.

At the end of flowering season, in early autumn my plant always sends out a few spikes with 4 or 5 flowers on each spike. This orchid would be much desired addition to any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea Wardii x Assidensis

2009-03-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

This orchid is recent addition to my ever-expanding stanhopea collection – it’s a beautiful cross of stanhopea Wardii x Assidensis. The flowers are huge white/ yellow with many specks through the flowers and the flowers have this pastel luminous effect. The scent heavenly marshmallow, strong and penetrating. The plant is very vigorous and sends many flower spikes during growing season.

Majority of my stanhopea’s finished its flowering season, but we will have another couple of months of good growing weather and all of my plants at the moment growing with increased rate, many more leaves and bulbs developing and forming in preparation for the next magic stanhopea’s growing season.

Stanhopea embreei x wardii

2009-03-14T14:53:00.001-07:00

This beautiful stanhopea is another lovely cross from my collection. I’ve acquired it quite a few years ago and every year it flowers when all other stanhopea’s finished its flowering season.

It’s quite vigorous grower and consistently sends multiple flower spikes every season with 4 or 5 flowers on every spike. The coloring is pastel yellow/white with pale yellow centre and dark small eyes with tiny spots. The scent is mild vanilla that lingers about for a long time.

Here in Sydney we are at the end of stanhopea’s flowering season and all of my plants busy at the moment with developing new growth and new leaf’s.

Stanhopea graveolens

2009-03-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Being discovered in 1840’s in high altitudes of forests of Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, stanhopea graveolens remains firm favorite orchid with stanhopea growers all over the world. Its one of the easiest to grow varieties that once starts flowering rewards one year after year with large showy flowers.

My stanhopea graveolens always flowering at the beginning of autumn when majority of stanhopea’s in my collection finished its blooming season. The flowers are large and the scent (uniformly agreed upon by anyone who smells it) reminds of “mothballs” – strong, penetrating and long-lingering.

One of the Nature’s creations, I am sure, to preserve its genetic makeup and to be pollinated by a specific moth that finds “mothballs” scent irresistible - and for the collector another special stanhopea.

Stanhopea Wardii aurea x Inodora

2009-02-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Mid-season flowering stanhopea’s now blooming in my garden and one of them is this beautiful stanhopea Wardii aurea x Inodora. I’ve had this variety for many years now and every year it flowering at the end of February with these stunning delicate flowers.

The plant and flowers are large with white/yellow and darker burgundy color spots and the scent is very strong vanilla/spicy. It’s a beautiful and special orchid to have in one’s collection.

Here in Sydney we are at the end of summer now and our weather can be unpredictable – we had number of very hot days followed by about a week of cooler temperatures and heavy rains and now back to warm days again. I am making sure that my plants do not dry out and fertilize them weekly to encourage more leaves, bulbs and flowers.

Stanhopea pseudoradiosa

2009-02-13T10:57:00.001-08:00

This stanhopea is one of the stunning orchids in the stanhopea range and I’ve been waiting for a while now to see its gorgeous flowers. Its just flowered revealing its majestic flamboyant flowers.

It’s native to Mexico and not often seen in cultivation. The flowers have this luminous quality to them and of rather large size with strong marshmallow scent. The colors are bright orange/green with tiny specs all over the flower.

My plant is of medium size and this is its first flowering season, so I’ve been looking forward seeing it being in flower.

Stanhopea spp.ornatissima

2009-02-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

This beautiful stanhopea is rather rare, not often seen and another recent addition to my collection. It grows in hot humid forests of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and mid-season flowering variety for our climate.

Its flowers are huge with beautiful burgundy color marks and scent is very strong vanilla/cinnamon. The flowers are quite hard and fleshy, but appear very delicate and graceful.

This season it developed four flower spikes with four flowers on each spike making it quite a display of flowers and scents. This orchid is much desired addition to any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea wardii var Taylor El Toro

2009-01-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

Another flowered stanhopea from my collection. This beautiful orchid not often seen in cultivation even though it’s been around since 1970’s. It displays very large, luminous flowers with strong, heady spicy/ cinnamon scent.

The flowers are quite beautiful and showy in white/yellow/green tones with small dark orange specs distributed all over and the plant that is vigorous and large.

For our climate, its mid-season flowering stanhopea, currently flowering and developing new leaves at same time making it great addition to any stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea oculata

2009-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

Another one of my stunning stanhopea’s currently in flower – stanhopea oculata. It’s native to hot humid forests of Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and it flowers with these showy large vanilla scented waxy flowers.

This season each flowering spike developed five flowers but oculata can carry up to 9 flowers, making quite a spectacle of color, textures and scents.

More spikes are developing on my plant hence more flowers later on of this popular, attractive and handsome stanhopea.

Stanhopea Posadarum

2009-01-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

This beautiful stanhopea orchid is a newcomer into stanhopea world – it’s only recently been discovered in Colombia and as far as I know two clones of stanhopea Posadarum currently in existence. I have both of them and this one the first one that flowered in my collection.

I am not new to stanhopea cultivation and seen many rare stanhopea plants, but even then was surprised by Posadarum’s sheer bold beauty, primeval energy , spectacular and fascinating appearance and magical scented flowers. There is nothing modest about Posadarum – this is the stanhopea with “an attitude”!

Its started sending four flower spikes about 3 weeks ago and gradually, as they were maturing I could see that each spike had 8 (eight !) flowers. As the flowers were growing on the spike, they started changing their color – from dark to pale green to light then dark yellow. When flowers started opening up early this week, Posadarum revealed its beauty – rich dark orange with lighter orange and dark velvety burgundy spots. The flowers appear delicate, but actually quite fleshy and waxy. The scent - lemon sherbet – very strong, citrusy with slight butter undertones and lingers around for a long time.

I am absolutely delighted having privilege of witnessing this new, rare and unusual stanhopea, looking forward seeing more flowers as they maturing and learning more about this new variety.

Embreea rodigasiana – the close relative

2009-01-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

This beautiful orchid closely related to stanhopea’s and in fact, until about 1980’s was called stanhopea rodigasiana, but then been re-classified as a separate genus.

The difference is in the number of inflorescences and horns– stanhopea’s producing multiple number of flowers on each spike and embreea’s carry only one flower. These orchids native to Colombia and Ecuador and growing in very wet, misty clouded forests and in cultivation have to grow in open planters, just as stanhopea’s.

Early this morning another flower opened on my embreea rodigasiana and I took this picture to capture its beautiful flower. The flower spike is about 30cm long and the flower is rather large and fleshy, creamy with burgundy color spots on petals. The scent is very strong and spicy and reminds me of combination of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. My plant currently developing more flower spikes and I am anticipating seeing more of these rare and dramatic flowers.

Stanhopea tigrina var Glory of Mexico

2009-01-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

Another stanhopea’s flowering season is upon us in southern hemisphere and I am sure many growers and collectors anxiously awaiting emergence of new flowering spikes, anticipating seeing beautiful majestic flowers, even for a short while.

This winter and spring I was able to increase my collection further by a few new to me species and varieties and one of them flowered early this afternoon.

This one is stanhopea tigrina, var Glory of Mexico – beautiful addition to my ever expanding stanhopea’s plants collection. The flowers of this variety huge when open - I’ve measured it being over 24 cm across, dark burgundy middle of the flower gradually turning into the lighter and then pure pristine white color on the end of petals. The scent, like with all tigrinas, very strong, heady vanilla and plant is very vigorous - even as it’s flowering, it’s developing new leaves.

Currently, another 2 flower spikes developing on the other side of the basket, so as usual, I am looking forward seeing more of this huge flowering beauty.

Stanhopea orchid – power of the flower spike

2008-12-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Its summer here in Sydney and my stanhopea orchids started growing flower spikes through the bottom and sides of planters. As usual during this time they require care and attention – our weather is quite erratic at this time of the year and hot and humid days followed by thunderstorms and tropical rains and winds. For me, it’s full on watering/ fertilizing routine, making sure that what appears like “delicate” flower spikes are not damaged during this time.

Its never sees to amaze me, this power of their flowering spikes. I know that many stanhopea orchid growers and collectors worry that when flower spike in its growth hits the side of the planter or when it touches any part of the basket, it can stop growing. From my experience, nothing is further from the truth…

Over the years I have seen this sheer determination and force of stanhopea’s flowering spikes to push through any object in their way to break through the orchid compost. I’ve had stanhopea plants growing in normal black plastic pots with spike winding around inside of the pot 3, 4 times and finally coming through the bottom of the pot through drainage holes – quite a site to see.

This year, one of my stanhopea plants that growing in wire basket sent out flowering shoot that hit the wire – so she’s simply turned around and kept growing and looking for an opening until it found it. I’ve captured it in the photos.

As usual during this time of the year there is a lot of anticipation in seeing these beautiful orchids flowering – early flowering varieties busy sending flowering shoots, mid season and later flowering varieties growing new leaves at amazing rate and I am looking forward to another wonderful flowering season.

Stanhopea orchids – mature plants vs. seedlings

2008-11-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Over the years I’ve had many times an opportunity to purchase stanhopea’s orchids flasks or very small seedlings and always reluctant to do it. The reason is of course because it takes such a long time to raise plants from flasking or seedling stage.

On the picture I’ve captured stanhopea’s seedlings at various growth stage – one year old, two year old, three and four years old ones. As you can see, they are very far from flowering stage.

Stanhopea orchids take approx 7 years to mature and to start flowering and raising stanhopeas from small seedling requires a lot of patience and dedication. Patience – because one can not harry up Nature and it will take as long as it takes for the plants to mature. Dedication – because during these 7 years of growth plants will require a lot of maintenance and looking after. The changing weather conditions, changes of seasons, insects, snails and fungus can destroy precious seedlings overnight, and if anything, personally I would not recommend raising stanhopea’s from seedlings to a beginner.

At times, certain variety only available as a small un-flowered seedling and in that case, if you have to have it ( as we all do), go ahead and purchase it, providing you prepared to spend a lot of care and attention on that seedling. Mature flowered stanhopea plants will always cost more than seedlings, but reward of seeing your plant with beautiful scented flowers in spring or summer and discovering its essence and its place in Nature will bring you joy and happiness beyond belief.

Stanhopea orchids – time to wake up!

2008-10-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

It spring here in Sydney and all of my stanhopea orchids started growing new shoots after couple of months of winter slumber. The weather is quite warm, which means I am staring again my watering and fertilizing routine.

While the weather is mild, I water my orchids every couple of weeks, making sure orchids compost saturated. At times we get strong tropical rains and I postpone my watering until they a bit drier.

All of my stanhopeas growing in open hanging planters – they love a lot of moisture and then drying period – it seems to stimulate their growth more.

Over the years I’ve tested many planters for my plants and out of necessity designed planters especially suitable for orchids and especially for my stanhopea collection. I was after planters that could simulate this wet/dry cycles and at the same time looking practical and beautiful. I am fortunate to have husband who can actually bring all of my thoughts and designs into reality and to produce for me planters that can bring out the majestic beauty of stanhopea’s for enjoyment of these magical orchids. Our latest design shown here and if you are interested in purchasing these planters you can contact me via email.

During spring time I fertilize my stanhopea’s monthly and use liquid fertilizers – fish, seaweed, worm tea, etc – from my personal experience they seems to respond better to liquid organic feeds. I know that slow release fertilizers are very popular these days, but I found that my stanhopea’s respond better to natural liquid feeds and in our weather that can turn quite hot suddenly, if I miss watering slow release granules can burn roots and bulbs, so I always play safe and stay away from them.

Stanhopea orchids – winter care

2008-07-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

Winter for stanhopea’s is a resting period, although new leaves are still developing and plants are still growing at a slower rate then during other months. (Picture showing new leaf starting to grow during winter).

In winter months stanhopea orchids require less watering – just occasional misting of leaves and bulbs so that they do not dry out. One exception though is stanhopea Jenishiana species and crosses – this variety really prefer to be dry during winter months. From my personal experience I’ve found if its wet during colder weather, it will not form proper flowers during flowering time – it will still send flowering shoots through the side and bottom of planters, but these shoots will not form any flowers. So if you have any Jenishiana’s in your collection keep them dry during winter and start watering them when the weather warms up in spring.

Because of our mild climate, all of my stanhopeas growing outside, but by trial and error over the years I’ve noted that some varieties prefer slightly warmer situations during winter month. Ecornuta, grandiflora, tricornis, warscewicziana, pulla, napoensis – these ones appreciate more sheltering in winter.

My fertilizing routine is non-existent during winter – I give my plants complete rest and do not start fertilizing until early spring when they start developing new flower spikes.

Stanhopea orchids – natural slug and snail control

2008-05-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

With onset of cold and wet autumn and winter there is a need for easy and effective control of slugs and snails. These pests love to munch on the tips of emerging shoots and really favor young flower buds. All orchids growers looking for an effective means of controlling them, and Stanhopea growers are no exception – its painful waiting for beautiful flowers to emerge once a year and then to lose it overnight to a hungry snail!

Whether your stanhopea’s growing outside, under the shade of the trees or in a greenhouse due to the weather restrictions – at times we all need to exercise snail and slug control. We all tried commercial pellets and all agree that they less than satisfactory for long term use – with frequent watering of stanhopea plants pellets become moldy and unsightly, dangerous to house pets and wildlife. We all also tried beer, eggshells, lime, wood shavings, sawdust, etc – great for the dry plants, completely unsuitable for stanhopea’s and other orchids that need frequent waterings.

I’ve done some extensive research and found that there is natural and effective remedy and it’s called “mustard meal” – or in other words, grinded mustard seeds. I’ve been using it on my stanhopea orchids for a number of years, and never looked back – its natural, its effective, and it works. Mustard meal been used in organic gardening to control pests, nematodes, fungi and here in Australia can be purchased through Yandilla Mustard Seed Oil Pty Ltd. If you live outside of Australia, check with your local mustard seed oil producers – they may be able to supply you with this natural effective product.

Another way is of course, make it yourself. Visit your local health food store and ask if they have in stock or can order for you bulk quantity of mustard seeds – you would only need small quantity at the time – 100/200g and grind them yourself in coffee or spice grinder. You can also purchase them in the supermarkets in herbs and spices sections, but they usually only sold in 25/30g small packets.

Sprinkle grinded mustard seeds into your orchid compost when you planting and replanting your orchids, on the top of the orchid soil to control slugs and snails, top up any time when its rainy weather and enjoy seeing your beautiful stanhopea plants and flowers in its majestic glory.

Stanhopea Ecornuta

2008-04-19T14:36:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s quite late in the season, but my Stanhopea Ecornuta flowering now. This is very interesting and rather rare variety from Costa Rica. This stanhopea variety classified as “primitive” or “hornless” stanhopea, due to its twin flowers facing each other. The trick with this variety is not to plant its bulbs deep in the orchid compost and to plant it high up so it can send its very short flower spike very close to the bulb. The flowers will open up very close to the base of the plant. The scent of this Stanhopea is strong spicy and even though flowers appear delicate, they are quite hard and waxy. Beautiful addition to any Stanhopea collection, especially since its one of late flowering Stanhopea’s.

Stanhopea Insignis x Self

2008-04-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

One of my late-flowering Stanhopeas in flower at the moment – Stanhopea Insignis x Self – one of the beautiful multi-colored stanhopeas in my collection. The colors are pale yellow/purple and the scent is strong cinnamon. For me, it’s always flowering late in the season, and always rewarding me with these large, beautiful, majestic blooms. Its vigorous variety and sends multiple flower spikes – this year its sending 6 flower spikes with 4 flowers on each spike and the one’s in the picture the first one opened. It’s always nice to have late-flowering stanhopeas in any collection and to enjoy these dramatic, beautiful orchids later in the season.

Stanhopea Tigrina

2008-03-20T12:00:00.001-07:00

I’ve got surprise from one of my beautiful Stanhopea’s – Stanhopea Tigrina. About 4 weeks ago we had few days of quite heavy rain and this plant decided to send another flower spike. Quite unusual, because it’s already flowered very early this season and I did not expected it to flower again this year. But here it is – Stanhopea Tigrina in flower mid March. This variety is “old favorite” and loved all over the world for its beautiful flowers and very strong vanilla scent.

Stanhopea Tricornis x Insignis

2008-03-01T22:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s March, beginning of autumn and here in Sydney days getting cooler and my Stanhopea Tricornis x Insignis just opened its flowers. This cross has very beautiful, very delicate sculptured flowers with strong jasmine scent. At this stage it’s developed 3 flower spikes and sent them through the sides of the planter. Each spike has 4 flowers and I always enjoy seeing beautiful stanhopea flowers later in growing season. Last year this variety was flowering well into the end of autumn and I am looking forward seeing more flower spikes.

Stanhopea Wardii

2008-02-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

Stanhopea Wardii

Another of my Stanhopea’s flowering at the moment – Stanhopea Wardii. This variety been around since 1838 since its discovery in Colombian forests and remains popular with Stanhopea collectors all over the world for its beautiful yellow/orange vanilla scented flowers. This variety producing medium-sizes flowers but more than compensate for it with its reliability and yearly abundance of flowers. I repotted this stanhopea in early spring and once it’s established in its planter, it’s started sending flower spikes. It sent 3 x flower spikes from the sides of the planter with 5 flowers on each spike. Stanhopea Wardii is mid-season flowering variety here in Sydney and my personal “old favorite”.

Stanhopea Warcewiczii

2008-01-25T10:07:00.001-08:00

Stanhopea Warcewiczii

Mid last year I’ve acquired this stanhopea and have been waiting for a while to see its beautiful flowers . Its flowering now and its Stanhopea Warcewizii var “Bonnie”. The flowers are pale lemon color and the closer I can describe its scent as strong pine resign mixed with all spice. This one is mid-season flowering orchid producing very nice, compact medium size flowers. At this stage the plant is not big and developed only one flower spike with 3 flowers and its very nice addition to my Stanhopea collection.

Stanhopea Spindleriana

2008-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

My stanhopea Spindleriana flowering at the moment. This one is one of the rare and unusual varieties and rather hard to find. Its opened its flowers this morning and this year it’s developed 3 flower spikes with 6 flowers on each spike. The flowers are beautiful pale cream with burgundy color spots and the scent is heavenly marshmallow/vanilla scent. Stanhopea Spindleriana is registered hybrid between Stanhopea Oculata and Stanhopea Tigrina and one of the beautiful majestic orchids from the Stanhopea range.

Stanhopea Wardii Clear

2008-01-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Flowers everywhere – my beautiful Stanhopea Wardii Clear opening its flowers this morning. This one is quite a large plant and currently has 18 flower spikes coming through the bottom and all sides of the planter. This variety have huge, crisp, luminous waxy flowers without any spots and flowers appear looking like porcelain beautiful individual sculptures. The color is white/yellow with green tones and the scent is very very spicy. This orchid going to flower for a while with more and more flowers opening up.

Stanhopea Inodora x Wardii Aurea

2008-01-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

One more variety opened up its flowers this morning – Stanhopea Inodora x Wardii Aurea. Its flowers look very delicate, yet quite large and strong. This variety usually keeping its flowers longer than usual 6-7 days. The scent of this cross is old fashion medicine mixed with spice. More flower spikes coming through the other sides of planter and I am looking forward seeing its beautiful flowers for a while.

Stanhopea Wardii Aurea

2008-01-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

Another variety of my Stanhopea opened its flowers today – Stanhopea Wardii Aurea. This Stanhopea native to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. This orchid is nicely sized with very pleasing strong vanilla scent.

The flowers are showy deep yellow with small purple spots. Flowers are large and nicely fragrant. This season it’s developed 5 flower spikes and the one in the picture the first one opened. Other flower spikes are still very small at this stage so I will be enjoying long flowering period from this variety.

Stanhopea Nigroviolacea

2008-01-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

The flowers of my Stanhopea Nigroviolacea opened up this morning. This one is one beautiful Stanhopea’s native to Central America. This variety remains popular with collectors since its discovery in 1838 in Mexican tropical forests. This variety producing spectacular burgundy/cream highly perfumed chocolate/vanilla scented, waxy flowers. The scent is very strong and penetrates the whole house, some people find it even overbearing, but I love its chocolate/vanilla smell. This variety was the very first of my Stanhopea’s, it’s the one that started “stanhopea fever” for me. More than 20 years on and its still rewarding me with its majestic flowers every summer without fail.

Stanhopea Wardii x Inodora in flower

2007-12-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

This morning my Stanhopea Wardii x Inodora flowering – its flowers are large, beautiful waxy with strong scent of spice and old fashion medicine. The greenish tingle on the flowers are from Inodora parent and yellow color with spots are from Wardii.

This cross showing one of the most beautiful, delicate colorings and I am enjoying its flowers and its perfume. This year this Stanhopea sent 7 flower spikes – the one in the picture is the first one that opened and I am looking forward to its extended flowering period.

Anticipation Time

2007-12-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

For us who grow Stanhopea orchids in Australia, Christmas time is the most exiting period with a lot of anticipation – the earlier varieties starting sending flower spikes through the sides and bottom of the planters. This will continue until about March – April when later flowering varieties start growing their flowers. Even though the flowers short-lived, it’s possible to surround yourself with flowering Stanhopeas for a few months each year.

New Growth

2007-12-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

New flower shoots growing through the bottom and sides of planters

Stanhopea Bellarensis flowering now

2007-12-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

Today my Stanhopea Bellarensis opened its flowers and the whole house is penetrating with heavenly vanilla/ cinnamon scent.

For the past week or so I’ve been watching its 2 x flower spikes growing and flower pods getting bigger and bigger and this morning it rewarded me with these majestic beautiful flowers. Stan. Bellarensis is a hybrid between Stan.Insignis and Stan. Oculata and its certainly exhibiting characteristics of both its parents.