Cross: (Stan. martiana x Cory. macrantha aureum)
Intro:
Coryhopea is an intergeneric cross between the genus Stanhopea and Coryanthes. Few hybrids like this have been made to date, but we were intrigued by the possibilities and have not been disappointed by this cross. The flowers are large, being around 5-6 inches in size and very fragrant with a pleasant sweet scent. The colors are excellent being dark mahogany and cinnamon over an ivory, yellow background. Easy to grow and flower, these sturdy plants exhibit hybrid vigor and should be easy to grow in the home. Best of all, this cross has very healthy foliage all the time and doesn't seem to be as easily affected by the leaf yellowing and browning that cause problems on the parents.
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Light:
Medium light as for Phalaenopsis to Cattleya. From 1,000 to 3,000 foot-candles is ideal. East, west or South windows (with some shade) will be adequate to grow and flower this plant.
P.L. Lights systems are a great way to provide artificial light to your orchids. See our P.L. Lights page for more information on this great product we offer.
Temperature:
Intermediate to warm temps with winter nights at 55 to 62 Fahrenheit and day temps in the 70’s or above. Summer temps can be several degrees warmer.
Humidity:
This plant likes a relative humidity of 50 percent or higher.
The use of humidity trays or room humidifiers is beneficial.
We offer two products that can help increase humidity levels. The humidity tray offered in black or white, and the Mist Maker.
Water:
Use rain, distilled or reverse osmosis water for best results. Municipal or well water is acceptable as long as the PH is below 7.5 and the total dissolved solids are around 250 PPM or lower. Water as the moss approaches dryness but does not become bone dry. In winter one can keep the potting mix slightly drier between watering, When the plant is in active growth or developing flower spikes be sure to keep the potting material (moss) more moist between watering.
Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium. One product we offer that can help these problems if caught at an early stage is Phyton 27 bactericide and fungicide.
Fertilizer:
Use Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water if plants are planted in bark. Be sure to flush the mix with clear water only once per month to prevent fertilizer salt build up. For plants in moss or mounted on slabs feed every third or 4th watering as the moss holds a lot of nutrients Or use
GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.
Another fertilizer offered is: GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).
Flowering:
This plant can flower at any time of year but the heaviest flower production will be in the summer and fall months. The large flowers appear as some alien life form or predatory hawk descending on its prey. The flowers are 5-6 inches in size and are colored with an ivory-yellow background overlaid in mahogany spotting/blotching with solid mahogany colored areas. There are hints of cinnamon on the hypochile like growth. The flowers are very fragrant and have a pleasing sweet smell. The flowers last just a few days but this plant can flower several times per year.
Repotting:
Repot in spring or fall but not during flowering unless it is just to shift the plant up to a larger pot or basket without disturbing the roots or flower spikes. Use New Zealand sphagnum moss for best results.
We offer several different types of potting medium. Here are direct links to what we believe to be some of the best potting mediums available for orchids: Orchids Limited bark mix, New Zealand sphagnum moss, coco husk, coco peat, sponge rock,charcoal, tree fern fiber, and cork slabs for epiphytic plants.
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