Stanhopea and Gongora?

[Royal]

OK, I've seen a lot of good info and some awesome pictures, but I've also read a lot of conflicting info on light requirements and growing medium. Also, what is the main difference between genus Stanhopea and genus Gongora? Are they really that different or is it like Phal and Doritis?

"Bright indirect" or "Dappled shade" don't really tell me much. Neither does "good drainage".

Thanks in advance!

[cowboy51278]

The big differnece between the two is the inflorescence. The gongora has a long pendant inflorescence that will hang over the pot or basket with flowers that are supposed to be up to 2". The only gongora that I currently have is a seedling, in a plastic pot with a mix of sphagnum and fine bark. Stanhopeas I love! The big difference with them is that they're inflorescence grows straight down from the pseudobulb, through the potting media and the bottom of the basket (for that reason they have to be in a basket). The flowers can be HUGE (up to 7" across) and EXTREMELY FRAGRANT. I have almost no sense of smell and they knock my socks off. I pot mine in a sphagnum/fine bark mix and they are doing quite well. I treat them like phals. Evenly moist media, but never sitting in anything sopping wet. Water several times a week. Back off on water just a touch during the winter. As far as light goes, anywhere from paph light to lower end oncidium light (1300-2500FC). Ive had good results with it. Hope that helped.

[Frdemetr]

Hi Royal,

Cowboy posted usefull infos; believe me, Stans and Gongoras are really different genus, it's not a taxonomist madness (as calling "Guarianthe" some bifoliate Cattleyas). Not only the flowers and spikes are completely different (as Cowboy stated), but also the plants. Stans love less light than catts (Phal light it's OK) and more moisture; winter rest (with less water) is necessary to induce blooming in some species (wardii, lietzei) but useless in others (oculata, tigrina). In my experience they love organic fertilizer (fish powder, fish emulsion and other stinky stuff). I love Stans, they are a good choice!

[Royal]

Thanks! That's the kind of info I can use. Using other genera to compare gives me a good reference point. I may have been giving it too much light, and too little water. I'll let you know how they respond. Thanks again!

[Stasisgate]

You mentioned that Stans like lower light than Catts.... can this be the cause of the plant not flowering? I have a large Stan about 20+ pseudobulbs and it just does not flower. I've had it over 2 years now. Any advice?

[Frdemetr]

Stasisgate,

Do you know the Stan species you have? Some species need a clear resting period to induce blooming (wardii - the commonest species in cultivation, oculata, lietzei etc.). You can try to interrupt watering and fertilization during the winter (sprays only a little of water to prevent dehydratation). It should work!

[Manfred Busche]

Hello Stasisgate.
I suggest you consider to make action as follows.
(a) Divide that big plant into three (3) equal pieces to
.....scare her into flowering, then
(b) hang 1 piece straight into "Morning-Sun-until-10am".
.....You may further...
.....place one division among the Cattleyas and one
.....among the Phalaenopsis, just to find out for your-
.....self what light requirements Stanhopeas have ...
(c) Those 3 divisions get new compost and moderate
.....water and get your care following the suggestions
.....made at "AmandaTom STAN platyceras Bud Drop" ...
Good Luck, MANFRED.

[Stasisgate]

Originally Posted by Frdemetr

Stasisgate,

Do you know the Stan species you have? Some species need a clear resting period to induce blooming (wardii - the commonest species in cultivation, oculata, lietzei etc.). You can try to interrupt watering and fertilization during the winter (sprays only a little of water to prevent dehydratation). It should work!

Unfortunately I bought the plant at an orchid show here in Trinidad but it was an unknown species so I really have no idea what it is. i will try the method you gave me around the end of the year (winter time for you guys )

[Stasisgate]

Originally Posted by Manfred Busche

Hello Stasisgate.
I suggest you consider to make action as follows.
(a) Divide that big plant into three (3) equal pieces to
.....scare her into flowering, then
(b) hang 1 piece straight into "Morning-Sun-until-10am".
.....You may further...
.....place one division among the Cattleyas and one
.....among the Phalaenopsis, just to find out for your-
.....self what light requirements Stanhopeas have ...
(c) Those 3 divisions get new compost and moderate
.....water and get your care following the suggestions
.....made at "AmandaTom STAN platyceras Bud Drop" ...
Good Luck, MANFRED.

I will also try these methods to determine the light requirements. I feel heartbroken to chop 'em up though , but in the end i will have three plants so triple the amount of blooms. Thanx for all the help guys. I will let you know the results of the experiment.

[Manfred Busche]

Do not Chop.
Feel the way of the Rhizome with your fingers, choose where you want to divide, bend two neighboring bulbs as possible, and then carefully cut through the Rhizome with a small sharp box cutter.