Gongora or Stanhopea or both? - Orchid Board

Sandy4453 · #1 01-14-2009, 08:52 AM

Hi everyone! I need your advise and orchid wisdom.

I've been wanting to try growing the Gongora's and Stanhopea's. Florida....on a patio.....90F plus in summer with 90 plus humidity. I think the Gongora is a safer bet, right?

Can you tell me what conditions you're growing in and how you're caring for these, what to do?, what not to do? Any particular ones I should get or stay away from?

Gratefully, as always....

smweaver · #2 01-14-2009, 10:14 AM

I would stay away from any of the stanhopeas that experience truly cool winters: martiana and hernandezii, in my experience, are especially picky about wanting a cool, dry winter rest (I sent a couple of martianas to Orchid Nirvana before I found this out from both research and experimentation). Tigrina, in my opinion, also does better with a winter rest that's a bit cooler than the warmer South American species. Occulata should be good for the conditions you can provide, and wardii should also be a pretty safe bet. Both of them are hardy, easy to find, and relatively inexpensive. As far as the gongoras go, I think that most of them should do well for you (as long as you keep them shaded). Have you thought about trying any of the coryanthes species? They're from the same tribe as the other two genuses, and they all (at least to my knowledge) enjoy near hothouse conditions. Oakhill Gardens has some, as well as Andy's Orchids. Both of those vendors also have knowledgeable staff members who should be able to give you some advice. Good luck with your project!

Steve

isurus79 · #3 01-14-2009, 02:14 PM

Steve is right on with his recommendations. Just remember Cory's like SUPER shady conditions while Gongoras can actually take Cattleya light if introduced slowly. All 3, however, are HEAVY feeders and drinkers!

Sandy4453 · #4 01-14-2009, 10:28 PM

smweaver, you've given me more information than I expected and am truly grateful. Thanks so much.

And yes, coryanthes is on my list to get. I found a nice selection of both of these on Oak Hill's site....and, also a couple of Angraecum's I've been wanting.

I think I need to do a little more research inclusive of my growing conditions before I make the leap to Stanhopeas. Thanks again for all this.

isurus79, thanks for the growing tips. I'm into heavy drinkers....I think that's why I love growing my Bulbos~

isurus79 · #5 01-14-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

I'm into heavy drinkers....I think that's why I love growing my Bulbos~

lol I think we would get along quite nicely!!

Sandy4453 · #6 01-22-2009, 08:31 AM

Finally narrowed it all down and I'm expecting to receive a Stanhopea wardii any day now. The Gongora is next...

Advice needed

.............

The Stanhopea will go into a net basket. Need to know what the best medium and culture is for this?

isurus79 · #7 01-22-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

Finally narrowed it all down and I'm expecting to receive a Stanhopea wardii any day now. The Gongora is next...

Advice needed

.............

The Stanhopea will go into a net basket. Need to know what the best medium and culture is for this?

I use straight spag. You will love the wardii as they are ez to grow, have showy flowers and an absolutely amazing scent! Remember these guys will take lots of fert when in active growth so dont be afraid to crank it up!

D&S Mabel · #8 01-23-2009, 06:22 PM

Sandy, the one problem with Stanhopea's that none of the above posters brought to your attention that I think important - once you have one and it blooms, you'll have to have more...

I started with embrei and found it to be one of the easier orchids I have to care for and to bloom. That lead to wardii, florida, occulata, and assidensis. My conditions sound similiar to yours (outdoor patio, bright shade). I potted all of mine in vanda baskets lined with loose sphagnum and filled with a bark mix designed for phals.

So that I don't have to vary my orchid fertilizing routine for these heavy feeders (I use a liquid spray for all my plants), I add the time release granular fertilizer "Dynamite" to my stans. and have had good results.

Good Luck!

ottercottage · #9 01-23-2009, 08:20 PM

I'm growing my stans. in a south window in the Pacific NW in intermediate conditions and they are thriving. I also use just sphagnum in 6"-8" plastic baskets. The slats/openings should be fairly wide to accomodate the roots/flowers emerging from the sides/bottom. They do require attention to feeding/watering. Mine are putting out leaves like crazy and I'm excited about flowering this summer! I highly recommend Tropical Orchid Farm for huge, healthy Stans. as well as other orchids.