Stanhopea anfracta

[smweaver]

Flowers just opened this morning, and although they're pretty, they also stink. The smell reminds me of a bad synthetic orange blossom scent--kind of like a smell you might detect in a freshly cleaned public restroom (lavatory). Still, I think the color is pretty nice. Both plant and blooms are small. The third photo was taken last night. The anfracta is sitting on a bench next to Stanhopea tigrina, and the buds of the former are dwarfed by those of the latter.

Steve

[Brenda Aarts]

Plug your nose and enjoy!!! They are beautiful....and I have yet to receive my first stan. flower....trying really hard though. Nice growing Steve.

[trdyl]

They are lovely. I have not tried growing Stanhopeas yet. Are they easy to grow?

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by smweaver

Flowers just opened this morning, and although they're pretty, they also stink. The smell reminds me of a bad synthetic orange blossom scent--kind of like a smell you might detect in a freshly cleaned public restroom (lavatory). Still, I think the color is pretty nice. Both plant and blooms are small. The third photo was taken last night. The anfracta is sitting on a bench next to Stanhopea tigrina, and the buds of the former are dwarfed by those of the latter.

Steve

They're lovely. It's too bad you don't like their fragrance. I had one like that once...a Dendrobium 'Frosty Dawn'. IMO the heavy perfume had a sharp offensive bite to it. It didn't take kindly to the hot temps. of Central Florida and eventually died. To be honest I was rather relieved.

Let us know how long your blooms last. I've heard they're short in duration.
I'm anxiously waiting for my first Stanhopea to be delivered.

[isurus79]

Love the anfracta! Too bad about the scent though. I must say, I've never smelled this stinky species, so now I want one! I'm that way with Bulbos too. lol Anyway, it's amazing how those tigrina buds dwarf the anfracta. Kinda looks like the tigrinas are gonna open up and eat the other ones!!

[SP2340]

Wow, look at the size of those buds!!!!!

[kinknstein]

Awesome!!

[smweaver]

Thanks, everyone, for your comments.

Ted, most of the species from this genus are thought to be easy growers. If you've never tried one I would suggest looking for either wardii or oculata. Both should be readily available and they're especially easy to grow and bloom--and their flowers, unlike anfracta's, smell fantastic.

[orchidman77]

i love the last pic!!!!! it makes me want to get lots of stans....

[musicloveranthony]

lovely photos! I really appreciate the size comparison photo!