Stanhopea wardii-Help needed...and more

[vmax3000]

Having the flowers literally pop open before my eyes was mind-blowing. I heard the first one and whirled around, thinking I had snapped a leaf off of some one (AARRGGGHHH), but then I noticed an opened "wing" sepal on the Stan. I just stared as it popped two of the others open. Would have stayed the whole day staring (yes, I am that easily entertained), but my dissertation won't write itself (though, I wish it would....) I just had to share the pic. I think I am smitten, yet again!

[vmax3000]

Oh great gang of smart orchid folks,
I noticed what appears to be a growth or another bloom spike on my S. wardii. I have been watching it to see if it will point up or down. Right now, it is pointing out of the side of the basket, horizontally. Do these bloom more than once? My gongora has a mess of bloom spikes on it. Since my spouse built the humidifier, my plants have been looking better and better. When the blast furnace doors are open outside....., it's nice and cool and light inside the gh. . BTW, how does one either renew the potting media or move a plant like this up a basket size? The potting media is looking a little shabby, but I wasn't sure what to do since there are spikes/growths sticking out of the sides. Thanks and happy 4th to all of the 'mericans!!

[Manfred Busche]

That picture shows Stanhopea embreei, not wardii ...

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Manfred Busche

That picture shows Stanhopea embreei, not wardii ...

Are you speaking of the photos I posted?! I acquired the plant from a trustworthy source and the tag says wardii..... It is still pretty, as Shakespeare said "what's in a name...."

[Manfred Busche]

Hello Vanessa.

For casual orchid growers incl. most orchid nursery people, Stanhopeas are difficult to identify ...
The photograph you posted on May 11, without a doubt shows Stanhopea embreei.
I suggest, that you simply google the 2 words of "Stanhopea wardii" to see the difference.

You say that you witnessed the flowers when they opened. At what time in the morning did it
occur (at o3a.m. or o5a.m. or when exactly) ??

A well cultivated Stanhopea embreei holds the sepals high up - like a sitting butterfly ...
How tall was your largest flower ( do not overstate, please ) ?

Regards,
Manfred.

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Manfred Busche

Hello Vanessa.

For casual orchid growers incl. orchid nursery people, Stanhopeas are difficult to identify ...
The photograph you posted on May 11, without a doubt shows Stanhopea embreei.
I suggest, that you simply google the 2 words of "Stanhopea wardii" to see the difference.

You say that you witnessed the flowers when they opened. At what time in the morning did it
occur (at o3a.m. or o5a.m. or when exactly) ??

A well cultivated Stanhopea embreei holds the sepals high up - like a sitting butterfly ...
How tall was your largest flower ( do not overstate, please ) ?

Regards,
Manfred.

Hi Manfred,
The first of the flowers popped open ~08:30. I didn't measure the length or height of any of them, but would estimate ~3 cm from the ovary to the end of the column and maybe about that much, again, for the upswepted open sepals. The flowers were substantial in size. I grow mostly minatures so this one looks large to me!
I'll have to do some research on my plant. I would assume that without a genetic confirmation, this plant becomes a NOID?
Cheers,

[Manfred Busche]

Hello Vanessa.

So far, I have found each of all my Stanhopea flowers already open at o5.30 a.m. because that's the time
I get up and look for it, when I anticipate a flower. However, I have never managed to see the process ...
Interesting :: yours opened at o8.30 a.m. which is later than I thought it should.
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Yes, do some research on the identity of your plant because research is always a good thing to do; it leads
us to further insight .

Best Regards,
Manfred.
PS:: how about someone starts a new post. Title "At what time on the clock do Stanhopea Flowers open ?" ...

[Weebl]

To follow up on the topic of basket liners for Stanhopeas, I found an interesting photo HERE that shows a Stanhopea developing multiple spikes through what looks to be quite a thick liner. If I were in your position I wouldn't worry about it and let it do what it does best; grow.

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Weebl

To follow up on the topic of basket liners for Stanhopeas, I found an interesting photo HERE that shows a Stanhopea developing multiple spikes through what looks to be quite a thick liner. If I were in your position I wouldn't worry about it and let it do what it does best; grow.

STUNNING photo. Like Manfred said, I think mine is a S. embreii. I went to the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate site and sure enough, there it was. The wardii had smaller flowers with a more yellow cast to them. I just didn't know, until now, that my plant would flower again!! I am excited to watch and hope I will get to see them open, again. I think letting them do what they do is always the best bet!!