Need help with a Stanhopea spp. ID

[Cloud_gardener]

Hello everyone,
I bought this beautiful Stanhopea off the lone orchid grower here in upstate NY. I paid $5 for it, then was delighted to find it in spike when I brought it home to transplant it into an orchid basket. The grower couldn't tell me exactly what the species, but he assured me that it's not a hybrid, and should be identifiable by its flowers, so here it is. The flowers were about 3-4 inches in length, and had a wonderful perfume that filled the room. They lasted only 4 days. I suspect that it's Stanhopea wardii. Perhaps someone with a good eye for catasetums could confirm this, or maybe point me in the right direction. Thanks!

[WhiteRabbit]

Fabulous!
I can't help with i.d., Sorry

[orchidsamore]

If it is truely a species and there are few hybrids, take a look through Jay's Orchid Encyclopedia.

Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

Pick all the Stanhopea and look at each. His photos are very accurate. Wandering through the photos is fun.

Wardi is the probable ID. Stanhopea flowers normally only last 2-6 days, but they cn put out more spikes as these flowers die.

Give the grower my email, I can use 20 or so at that price. Even without the bonus of a flower spike.

[Cloud_gardener]

Thanks orchidsamore. I actually used that link to come to the conclusion that it's most likely Stan. wardii. I've noticed that there's some slight variability in the brightness of the yellow, and the number and size of the magenta spots on the petals between different Wardiis.

The grower is Piping Rock Orchids of Galway, NY. I don't know the owner personally, so I can't exactly relay your email. They do have a catalogue, but the only Stanhopea they have listed is Stan. oculata which is listed at $29.99 each. You can contact them through their website.

I got this deal because the owner had an open house where he invited the orchid society that I am a part of. He had a limited number of plants marked for clearance, which is how I got this wardii and an oculata for $10. I have my doubts that he'd be willing to give that same deal without there being some kind of special event or promotion.

Thanks again!

[cbuchman]

The Owner of Piping Rock Orchids is Glen Decker.

[Cloud_gardener]

Originally Posted by cbuchman

The Owner of Piping Rock Orchids is Glen Decker.

That's right cbuchman, I only knew him by his first name. Anyway here's the link to his website: We bring you the finest Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, and other orchids available.: Piping Rock Orchids

I was wrong, he has Stan. oculata for $19.95 each, and there is a volume discount. I definitely suggest you check out Piping Rock.

[Manfred Busche]

Hi Cloud Gardener.

Your photograph does show flowers of Stanhopea wardii .

[Cloud_gardener]

Originally Posted by Manfred Busche

Hi Cloud Gardener.

Your photograph does show flowers of Stanhopea wardii .

Thank you for the confirmation!