Stanhopea florida
Care, watering, light and tips for Stanhopea florida on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
About Stanhopea florida
Stanhopea florida is a captivating epiphytic orchid, renowned for its large, waxy flowers that emerge from the base of the pseudobulb and hang downwards, often with an intense fragrance. Its pendulous and ephemeral inflorescences make it a spectacular choice for hanging baskets, where its blooms can be fully admired. It's a tropical gem that adds an exotic and fragrant touch to any orchid collection.
Native range
South America, mainly in Ecuador and Peru.
Care tips
This orchid requires bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the potting medium consistently moist during active growth, but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings in winter. Use a coarse, well-draining substrate, such as medium-sized fir bark, to ensure good root aeration. A common mistake is overwatering when the plant is not actively growing, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Stanhopea florida
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled or yellowing leaves, dehydrated pseudo-bulbs, rot at the base.
- First aid
- Remove from substrate, clean damaged roots, dip in mild fungicide, repot in fresh, airy substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root and pseudo-bulb rot. Also lack of ambient humidity.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't advanced too much and healthy pseudo-bulbs remain.