Stanhopea Growth Timing and Duration
 

I posted a topic on my blog regarding the growing conditions I have, and how some species such as S. tigrina have several growth cycles a year, while other species such as S. insignis don't. This could be due to the adaptation of some species to my climate since I grow outdoors, or that some Stanhopea I have are more mature than others, and therefore grow more frequently. I was just wondering if other growers have noticed a similar trend in certain species, or if you have greenhouse conditions perhaps the Stanhopea grow continuously throughout the year? Any input would be appreciated.

When I had a lot of Stans in Hawaii, I would get multiple flushes of growth from all of them. However, some species (like tigrina and jenishiana) will have a definite dormant stage. Some grow all year round, like reichenbachiana.

Thanks for the response Steve. It must have been nice growing Stanhopea in Hawaii. They probably bloomed on and off for you too. The S. wardii 'Dee' at TOF seems to bloom on and off through the year. I would not mind that, but then I would have to move to Hawaii:biggrin:

If you ever get to go to TOF, do it! That place is amazing for anyone who enjoys growing Stanhopinae. Tons of stuff blooming just about all year long and the owners are really great about showing guests around.

After scratching my head for a while and googling, in case anyone else is wondering what "TOF" is, I suspect it's Tropical Orchid Farm :)

I'm a rank amateur at Stanhopeas (I have 3 [frymieri, whittenii, oculata] which have never yet flowered, although they happily push out new, bigger pseudobulbs and leaves every year). They're currently doing so now, even though it's winter. I got them as fairly small "seedling" plants (~3 small pbulbs each) toward the end of 2011 (October-ish, I think). They're much bigger now.

I hope I will have a chance to visit next year when I plan a trip to Hawaii. Good to know that they will take some time to show folks around.

---------- Post added at 07:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:05 AM ----------

Yes, TOF is Tropical Orchid Farm - my apologies for not clarifying that in the beginning. In your climate Stanhopea probably grow very quickly. My S. frymieri only dare to grow during the spring and summer for me in San Diego. Given that your Stans were seedlings and not divisions and were small, then it normally takes years for them to bloom. It has been my experience that a three year old seedling will often take another three or four years before they are large enough to bloom. This means that you are probably getting close to having your Stanhopea bloom for you in the next year or two. Keep up the good work of growing them and post some photos when they bloom!

Thanks :)
The climate here gets pretty chilly; with wind chill this morning it was about 5 degrees (C, not F), and it's nowhere near midwinter yet. We don't see much snow or ice around here, but it can get pretty darn chilly! The balcony has a thermostatically controlled heater that kicks in if it goes below 10ºC.