Stanhopea Gary Baker- Heat Stressed
 

Like so many plants I grow, this Stanhopea Gary Baker grows very well in high heat (i.e. over 100 degrees F). You'd never know it was heat stressed just by looking at the vegetative growth. However, nearly a month of 100+ days does cause heat stress seen in the flowers. For example, Stanhopea flowers generally open all at once in the morning and last for a few days. The flowers in these pics only partially opened and only had very mild fragrance, rather than the typical, overwhelming fragrance (which I LOVE!).

I figure this is of interest to folks who are interested in what high heat does to orchids.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/849/2...99e8a152_b.jpgStanhopea Gary Baker by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/848/2...c59939d0_b.jpgStanhopea Gary Baker by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/940/4...1d0ce89a_b.jpgStanhopea Gary Baker by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis, on Flickr

Still beautiful. This year, my first with a greenhouse, has taught me a great deal about heat management. We are in the middle of a 50 year record drought and temps like Texas. For most plants it is a stress test. Even older trees, which are well rooted, are loosing their leaves and maybe their lives. Orchids do adapt pretty well, but my Odonts are trully suffering, as well as a couple of cooler Stanhopeas.

My 1 of 4 is throwing out a spike now and NJ temps have not been good for plants or folk. I'm able to bring plants inside and barely manage to hang them from growlight area until conditions improve. But your blooms are great and worth the wait,IMO.

Yikes! Texas is prepared for extreme heat, but I know places up north suffer when temps get crazy. Hopefully your plants are able to come inside during the heat.

Thanks!