How to Grow Stanhopea Wardii Orchids

Stanhopea wardii belongs to a group of unusual and fascinating epiphytic orchids. The strangely shaped, highly fragrant, pendulous flowers look almost other-worldly, and Stanhopeas are one of the few orchids that bloom several times a year. Called "bucket orchids," there's only one bee that pollinates them, and it's tricked into falling into the "bucket" of the flower and forced to escape by crawling out with pollen on his wings. Stanhopeas grow quite large, so give them plenty of room. They are not difficult to grow as long as they get the cool nights they require.

Large slatted orchid basket with 1-to 2-inch spacing
Newspaper
Sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber or coconut chips
Orchid clips
Orchid fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Pot Stanhopea wardii orchids in the spring. Line the slotted basket with newspaper. Place the orchid in the center of the basket and carefully fill with the chosen medium. Place orchid clip hooks onto the sides of the basket and move the straight part over the orchid root to hold it in place.
- 2
  Place the basket in bright, filtered sunlight. Do not place in direct light, because the leaves will burn.
- 3
  Keep the temperatures between 52 and 60 degrees F at night, and between 68 and 75 F in the winter. Increase shading, air movement and humidity if temperatures rise above 75 F. Place Stanhopeas outside only if the proper temperature range and conditions can be maintained.
- 4
  Keep the medium evenly moist. Never allow it to dry out completely, as it may lead to root loss.
- 5
  Fertilize with a 1/4-strength solution of high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer, alternating with a 20-20-20 formula. Use an orchid bloom-booster fertilizer in the summer blooming season.

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