Stanhopea radiosa

[InspirChid1712]

Hey everbody!

I need help... WHAT IN THE WORLD should I do with thing?! It is Stanhopea radiosa, sent to me a few years ago by Maria (peeweelovesbooks), and it has grown to a very hefty size... I didn't realize they grew this large, I swear!!! It won't flower at all, despite my efforts. How can I get this guy to bloom? Is the North Carolina summer climate suited to its seasonal outdoor preferences??? I think it needs more light as of now... but it is the winter and I simply can't give it any more. Do Stanhopeas really prefer a greenhouse to be successfully flowered? And, is this plant going to get even BIGGER?!?!?! What should I do?!

Thanks guys!!!!

[Vanda lover]

I had a Stanhopea when we lived in Ontario. I don't know the species but it wasn't hard to bloom. I gave it as much light as I could without burning it during the summer, and fed it weakly weakly. I hung it outside sometimes. Yours looks like it has a nice bright window, so it's hard to imagine why it's not blooming. Perhaps it is a spring bloomer? I can't remember when mine bloomed.

[jessetukkers]

hang her high in ur greenhouse, when the new bulbs are grown mature, cut the water, but dont let the bulbs shrink, than it should bloom. radiosa is a warmer type stanhopea and likes it high up in the greenhouse

grtz jesse

[smweaver]

Yeah, they do get to be big plants. But you shouldn't need a greenhouse to bloom them. Just gradually increase the light and reduce the amount of nitrogen (especially after the newest growths have formed). A slightly dryer rest during the cooler months might also help to induce it to flower. Good luck!