Stanhopea time!
 

Yesterday, I got a double treat - Stanhopea oculata and Stanhopea wardii sprang to life within half an hour of each other. What fragrance! The S. oculata just gave me one spike, but 6 beautifully presented flowers. The S. wardii bloom not quite so well arranged, but that's because the spike was crowded in by a couple of other spikes, that won't open for another week or two. And there's one that should be opening about the time that the first one poops out. So no complaints here!

These bizarre flowers remind me of squids.

Awesome! Congrats

Awesome!

Ah, so cool! I miss growing this genus!

Stan wardii's so cool, he's gotta wear shades...

Thanks! These are incompatible with travel... last year I totally missed the Stan tigrinas... buds when I left and spent flowers when I returned a week later. Short-lived but so sweet. The goal is to get a plant big enough for multiple spikes that develop at different rates, to extend the fun.

Heaven on Earth. Better than any perfume factory. Too bad my hummingbirds don't seem to be interested. ;)

Stanhopea spikes are such a great discovery, aren't they? I always get excited when I see the first telltale sign of a spike starting to push out from a basket. I certainly don't doubt that these two species are creating quite a heady scent in your growing area.

Beautiful blooms Roberta.

Great job! I have an oculata that puts out nice foliage and I was able to stay clear of spider mites while growing outside in New England this summer. Perhaps I am not giving them a cool or dry period before bringing it in? I would love to hear just a few of your thoughts on what might help me. Thanks!