Shop for Stanhopeinae subtribe orchids
The Stanhopeinae subtribe consists of epiphytes that bear the most dramatic looking incredible flowers with intricate and complex structures and mechanisms for pollination, from channeled ‘walkways’ for insects, to buckets of a watery solution. This subtribe includes several spectacular genera found across much of Central and South America, including Stanhopea, Gongora, Coryanthes and Acineta. Species in this group characteristically exhibit clustered pseudobulbs topped with long leaves which will eventually fall off with age. Their flowers can be short lived, but their otherworldly appearance and powerful, heavenly fragrances makes up for their ephemeral nature. Many species are vigorous growers that benefit from regular watering in the summer, and can be grown outdoors during the warmer months.
Light and Shade
We have found that Stanhopeinae grow well under a rather low amount of light (1200 to 1500 foot-candles), so that if a hand is passed over the leaves it does not produce a shadow. We recommend growing in east or west-facing windows. South-facing windows should only be used if shielded from the sun using a sheer curtain. If temperature highs remain below these orchid's limits, then Stanhopeinae can be grown outside from June to late fall in areas with filtered light, such as through a pine tree or shrub in early morning or afternoon. Be careful not to exposure these orchids to prolonged direct sunlight, as the leaves may sunburn easily. If using artificial light to grow indoors, LEDs are the best option. The artificial light market has expanded greatly in recent years, so a quick Google search will result in a variety of lighting options and price ranges.
Temperature and Humidity
Stanhopeinae do well in the average home or a cool to intermediate temperature greenhouse. These orchids prefer daytime temperatures from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), and night temperatures between 58°F to 65°F (14°C to 18°C). If you keep your Stanhopeinae watered well, humidity will not be a critical factor in their growth. However, these orchids thrive under high humidity and will benefit from humidity levels above 50%. This can be achieved at home with the use of a humidifier or a humidity tray. Just make sure that the plant is not standing in water or the roots will rot.
Feeding
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, specially formulated to provide orchids with the nutrients they would naturally encounter in their wild habitats. This is the fertilizer that we developed to use on our own plants in production, with excellent results for decades! This formula works best with water low in alkalinity (such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water). However, you may use tap water, keeping in mind that mineral buildup will require repotting more frequently, on the order of every 1 to 2 years. When potting in sphagnum moss, fertilize every 3rd watering year round.
Watering
Stanhopeinae like to be kept fairly moist, with the media becoming lightly damp to the touch between waterings. During warm dry weather, they may need to be watered 2 to 3 times a week. Stanhopeinae are large-leaved orchids that transpire a relatively high volume of water. These orchids form wrinkled, accordion-like pleated leaves when not receiving enough water.
We always recommend watering in the morning, as this gives the leaves time to dry and avoid bacterial growth overnight. If possible, use water low in alkalinity, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. If you have a dehumidifier in your home, the water that collects in the tray is excellent for watering orchids.
Potting
All orchids in this subtribe have inflorescences that grow downward, so these orchids must be potted in hanging baskets with 1~2" slats spacing at bottom, using New Zealand Sphagnum Moss as the potting medium. These orchids tend to be less finicky than other orchid groups, so you may allow room for up to two year's new growth. Repot once every 1 to 2 years, preferably in the spring when active growth resumes. When repotting, choose a basket that is large enough to accommodate 1 or 2 years growth (2 to 3 new bulbs per year). If the moss is old, crumbly and sour, carefully remove the moss and rinse the root system. Trim off any dead roots. Position the plant with its oldest bulbs to the edge of the new pot. Then, spreading the orchid roots out, fill in the space with fresh sphagnum moss.
Stanhopeinae can be divided when there are 6 or more pseudobulbs. Should you wish to divide your plant at this time, each section should have three or four green bulbs in addition to any new leads. Old leafless pseudobulbs can be left on the plant, as these orchids are naturally deciduous You can watch our video on dividing orchids here.
To avoid the transfer of orchid diseases, it is standard procedure to sterilize all cutting and potting instruments before using them on a plant. This can be done by flaming pruning shears with a butane torch, or by spraying with rubbing alcohol and wiping with a clean paper towel.
Shop for Stanhopeinae subtribe orchids