Bifrenaria stefanae

[Frdemetr]

How I'd suspected my 'Bifrenaria vitellina' is in fact a Bifrenaria stefanae (look at IOSPE links and see the differences)
IOSPE PHOTOS
IOSPE PHOTOS

Frederico

[Shadow]

Interesting specie. But I would prefer the bigger flowers if I have to accomodate those huge leaves....

[Frdemetr]

Shadow, in fact all the plant aren't so big...but I'm 'bifrenaria addict' and for me they are all fantastic! You can see some others with big flowers (and yes, huge plants!) in my gallery!
Frederico

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by Frdemetr

Shadow, in fact all the plant aren't so big...but I'm 'bifrenaria addict' and for me they are all fantastic! You can see some others with big flowers (and yes, huge plants!) in my gallery!
Frederico

So, how big are they (flowers and leaves)? I don't see anything on your photos that could give me a hint about their real sizes. I judged only relative size of the flowers if to compare them with leaves....

[Shadow]

I agree with your identification. Your plant looks more like Bifrenaria stefanae, not Bifrenaria vitellina. By the way, are these flowers are fully opened or the will open more?

[Frdemetr]

Here are the sizes (SI units only!)

Bifr stefanae: Pbulbs 4 x 2,5cm, leaves 25 x 6cm (maximum, usual 15 x 4cm); flowers: dorsal sepal 1,2 x 0,6cm, lateral sepals 1,5 x 1,0cm, petals ~ dorsal sepal, labelum 1,4 x 1,6cm. Yes, the flowers often do not fully open.

For comparison, Bifr thyrianthina measures (the biggest bifrenaria): Pbuls 10 x 4cm, leaves 30 x 10cm (usual); flowers: 8,0cm in diameter
Frederico

[Shadow]

Thanks for explanation! It isn't huge, as I thought. Is it difficult to grow them? I've never had Bifrenaria...

[Frdemetr]

Shadow, the bigger ones (genus Bifrenaria 'itself') are easy growers outdoors (at least in brazilian weather!), very high luminosity (~70% of full sun, they survive even under full sun!), perfect draining clay pots with an ad-mixture of tree fern fiber, carcoal and little stones. The roots will rot if too much humidity remains between the irrigations. The littles (former 'Stenocoryne' or 'Adipe') are harder to grow, they need ~50% of full sun luminosity, good draining clay pots with tree fern fiber only, but high atmospheric humidity. They demand a little bit more humidity in the roots, but not too much. All loves warm to hot temperatures (~20º to 35ºC) and avoid cold (<15ºC).
Frederico

[Shadow]

I've just noticed that you are from Brazil! You are very lucky!

[justatypn]

Big difference in coloration, looks like a Bifrenaria stefanae, but I do have to question the sun you stated they like and appears it could still be your purchased name noting to much brightlight "sun" would definitely depleat the coloration to a lighter color????