Just wondering about stanhopeas in "the wild"

[JKeys]

Well, I've been looking at some pictures of different stanhopea orchids lately (really interesting and beautiful) but I am wondering about how they grow and flower in the wild, not in cultivation. I see them in these baskets and their flowers just kinda pop out of the bottom of the basket but how do they flower on their own?

Just wondering, thanks!

[santiago]

they grow in trees like most orchids, most of them grow sideways so the flower just hang from the side of the plant. you can see it clearly in this photo
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...J6L6Vd89FD0edQ
http://www.orchidspecies.com/orphotd...operadiosa.jpg

[Oculata]

To add to what Santiago has said - Some Stanhopea species also grow as semi-terrestrials and lithophytes (on rock faces). They will often grow in leaf mold or duff on these substrates on cliffs and steep slopes. The inflorescence will grow through the leaf mold and out to hang off the cliff.

Here is a link to Edouard Faria's website. If you scroll down you will see a photograph of Stanhopea hernandezii growing off a cliff in native habitat. STANHOPEA HERNANDEZII (Kunth) Schlechter 1918 - Stanhopea passion

[Orchidflowerchild]

^Two semesters of french really came in handy, there.

LOL

-Ceci