Stanhopea costaricensis

Stanhopea costaricensis is found in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama. Plants grow in intermediate evergreen or cloud and rainforests at 1,650 to 4,900 feet (500 to 1,500 meters) as a hot- to warm-growing epiphyte in moist, mist forest habitat. It blooms in the last spring and early summer with fragrant flowers. Plants are best grown mounted or in wire hanging baskets to accommodate the pendent inflorescences. Repotting should be done when new root growth is just starting. Growers report that Stanhopea are reluctant bloomers if given insufficient light, but the foliage is prone to burning or yellowing if light is too bright. Strong air movement is critically important.
Photographer: Ron Parsons (www.flickr.com/photos/rpflowershots
Grower: Orchid Species Plus
Info: Charles Baker culture sheet www.orchidculture.com and Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia www.orchidspecies.com