Stanhopea deltoidea in bloom

[Gwallogwyn]

I had been looking for this stanhopea ever since seeing it pictured in an article
in the AOS bulletin in 1966. It is an extremely rare stanhopea
from the Chanchamayo Valley of Peru, seldom seen in cultivation.
When I stumbled across it about 6 years ago it was incorrectly identified as
the hybrid Stan. Ronsard ( wardii X oculata ). This is the only stanhopea
that I have that has very little if any fragrance. It has a very subtle green
smell like crushed leaves.
When it bloomed in 2005 I selfed it and sent the resulting seed half to
Meyers Conservatory and half to Tropical Orchid Farm, for propagation.
The plants being offered now from TOF are from this seed.

Flickr Photo Download: P1020005-0001 A

Flickr Photo Download: P1020013 B

Flickr Photo Download: P1020006-0001 A

[RosieC]

Those are wonderful. I'm still not sure if I like Stanhopea, but pictures like this are facinating and make me want to see more.

[isurus79]

Gwallowgwyn,
That is a very unusual Stan indeed! It has wavy petals, huge horns and an enormous hypochile for such a small flower! Also, the lack of scent is unusual too. I will definitely order one your offspring from TOF the next time I order from them. Any cultural peculiarities that you've noticed for this one?

[SP2340]

Very interesting... I love the spots!!

[Country Gramma]

OH I do so love this flower. Is it difficult to grow?? Inquiring minds want to know!!

Karen

[Gwallogwyn]

Steve, & Karen

This stanhopea seems to be an easy grower. It dosen't need the special watering and rest periods like some of the Mexican and Brazilian stanhopeas.
Barney Greer in his book 'The Astonishing Stanhopeas' says it is cool growing. Most of my stanhopeas grow on the cool side of intermediate temps. The primative stanhopeas get much warmer temps.

[Frdemetr]

Amazing Stan, Gwallogwyn! I would love to be in Hawaii for order one from TOF! Luck you, Steve!