Stanhopea – Upside-down Orchid –

Description

Stanhopea – Upside-down Orchid – There are about 30 evergreen, epiphytic orchids in this genus. They are found occurring from sea level to moist forest, to 7,000′ high, in Mexico and Central and South America. They produce conical, ribbed pseudobulbs, which each bear a single, large semi rigid, folded, elliptic to oblong-lance shaped leaf. Pendent racemes of 2-10 sweetly fragrant, short lived flowers arise from the bases of the pseudobulbs over a long period. Cool to intermediate growing orchids (see chart below). Grow epiphytically on bark, or in epiphytic potting mix in moss lined, slatted baskets, to allow the pendent racemes to spread freely downward through the potting mix and out the bottom of the basket. Provide high humidity and bright filtered light in summer, and full light in winter. When in growth, water and mist freely, and apply a half strength balance liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly when inactive, which may be in early summer. Prone to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, Anthracnose, bacterial brown spot, and a variety of viruses.