Stanhopea and Gongora culture advice needed! - Orchid Board

Goods14 · #1 05-02-2012, 10:04 PM

I've admired the flowers of these genera for years, and I've tried growing them a few times. All of my attempts have failed miserably, so I have to be doing something wrong. I think they'll do well outdoors where I live: warm, humid, lower light, but I haven't been successful yet.

Anyone have any advice?

Paul Mc · #2 05-02-2012, 10:08 PM

Do you mean you killed them or thy just haven't bloomed? Just curious.

Goods14 · #3 05-02-2012, 10:12 PM

I've killed them...I have one Stan. tigrina that still has green bulbs, but it hasn't put out a new growth or roots in at least a year. I'm assuming there are no more dormant eyes, and it will eventually die off.

Paul Mc · #4 05-02-2012, 10:18 PM

Well, I'm new to both, but I haven't killed them, yet, lol... My question is how warm are we talking? I bring both in before temps hit too high. They can't take hot, but it depends upon your definition. They also want constant moisture, but not sopping wet 24/7z".

Paul Mc · #5 05-02-2012, 10:19 PM

I'm wanting to learn myself, but trying to help. Please default to others experiences with these as I'm new myself.

Goods14 · #6 05-02-2012, 10:34 PM

I'm in South Louisiana, so it routinely gets into the 80s/90s in the summer. I do have them in a shady spot, though.

Paul Mc · #7 05-02-2012, 10:38 PM

They want a lot of shade from my understanding. 90's might be an issue but I think 80's should be fine based on my limited experience and knowledge. They tend to be more intermediate orchids from what I understand and 90's wouldn't qualify if it's an average. Once on a while might be ok, but not constant/

Arenalbotanicalgarden · #8 05-03-2012, 02:54 AM

I'll shoot a few pics of them in the wild in the morning. This place is loaded with them.I wish I had a light meter but I'm guessing vanda/cattleya conditions in the states.

Gwallogwyn · #9 05-03-2012, 06:20 AM

Here is Keven Bush's culture notes.

growing culture stanhopea orchids

keithrs · #10 05-03-2012, 10:10 AM

I grow them in Catt. light in CHC watered twice a week, spring through fall. Rarely water in the winter because I grow them outdoors here. Temps are 40-100. Humidity is about 40 on average. Fert every watering. There very easy too grow out here in Cal.