Stanhopea oculata

[Undergrounder]

Beautiful, man i love Stanhopeas. Is it normal for Stan occulata to send out spikes sequentially like that? If there's a Stan that has flowers that last longer (or flower over a long period in total) then i'm going to get it. The only problem with Stans is how short the flower period is.

[Frdemetr]

Hi Undergrounder,

I have this plant for more than 20 years, and just one time it blooms all spikes at once (what a show!). Usually the spikes open sequantiallly for two or three weeks; this year was extraordinary in the number of spikes and length of bloom (see the pics I took today, the two last spikes not opened yet, continuos blooming since Jan-27! You can see the old flowers in the first pic). But my oculata is a 'monster' plant, despite the division I made it remains huge!

[Royal]

Fredrico, what's the secret to your success?

[Frdemetr]

RoyalOrchids,

Well, I think its because this one is native; I have Stans (mostly the Andean) that are difficult to grow and to bloom.

[Djarum Black]

Vanilla scented! Ohhh thats a sure sell for me. I have always wanted to try one. Maybe I will take the leap!