STANHOPEA NIGROVIOLACEA 'BLACK TIGER' - Orchid Board

dvespertilio · #1 07-24-2009, 05:21 PM

Just a few shots of my biggest and oldest stanhopea, can hardly wait for these beauties to open in a few days' time. Will post more picture then.

kinknstein · #2 07-24-2009, 05:24 PM

Awesome!! Can't wait to see them open!!!

WhiteRabbit · #3 07-24-2009, 05:27 PM

wow those buds look huge! can't wait to see the blooms!

smweaver · #4 07-27-2009, 10:37 AM

Beautiful buds. Please post pictures of the blooms once they open. Would you also mind giving some cultural information regarding how you grow this (light levels, temperatures, seasonal differences in care, etc.)? I'm always interested in learning how other admirers of this genus grow their plants. Thank you!

Steve

dvespertilio · #5 07-28-2009, 02:01 PM

This stanhopea is grown outdoors in bright shade. It is in sphagnum and is watered as needed, allowing it to just begin to dry out between waterings. I also fertilise weakly on most waterings, so the plant is getting continuous nutrients. I have had this plant since August of 2004, and obtained it as a division from Doug Pulley of stanhopea fame. Here are two more pictures of the buds as they are just opening today. The smell is sweet, like a sweet soap.

In the winter, the plant is taken inside during cold spells ( I live in NE FL). I tend to keep it on the dry side at that time, but never let it fully dry out. I don't have a greenhouse, but nevertheless have been successful in growing this beautiful plant.

smweaver · #6 07-28-2009, 03:57 PM

Very impressive. It will be interesting to see how the colors intensify (or otherwise change) over the course of the next day or two. And thanks for the information on how you're growing your plant.

Steve

kiki-do · #7 07-28-2009, 04:02 PM

I want to see it opened also! So far, it looks incredible! Nice growing!

dvespertilio · #8 07-29-2009, 02:32 PM

Here are the shots taken today of the S. nigroviolacea flowers, fully open. Another spike with two flowers is coming, and a third spike which appears to have one flower is developing also. The fragrance is now noticeable down wind several feet away. It is a sweet, musky, floral smell.

isurus79 · #9 07-29-2009, 08:14 PM

Looks great! Smells even better, right? I can't wait for Stanhopea season here at my house!!

dvespertilio · #10 08-04-2009, 05:43 PM

Today four more buds on two additional spikes opened and I am posting the pictures here as an addition to my original post. Sorry that the pictures are a little blurry. And, of course, these flowers smell just as sweet as the first two.