Stanhopea ruckeri
Rucker's stanhopea
A medium-sized epiphytic orchid with broadly elliptic, dark green, leathery leaves. The plant produces a clump of ovoid pseudobulbs (thickened stem on the base of each growth), which serve as a storage organ for water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb carries one large, stemmed leaf. Pendant flower stems emerge from the base of the basket in autumn and carry 4-7 waxy, 8cm large flowers. Each flower is pale cream or pale yellow with darker yellow centre and sweet, pleasantly scented. This orchid has evolved in a unique way - to perfectly mimic and deceive their pollinator. Downwards facing flowers are pollinated by male Euglossine bees (also called Orchid Bees) that confuse the flowers for females.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Cream Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of the orchid family from Central and South America. This genus of epiphytic orchids is characteristic for its complex flowers. Flowers grow downwards and are strongly fragrant, but fairy short-lived. Ribbed, ovoid pseudobulbs form a tight clump, with each carrying one large, stemmed leaf
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico, Central America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a hanging basket lined with moss, in an open, bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite and sphagnum moss. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. May be grown in intermediate to warm conditions with temperatures between 12-30 °C. Seasonal and daily fluctuation of temperatures encourage flowering. Average humidity of 50-70% is sufficient and watering should be frequent enough during growing season (approximately once per week), with being reduced by half during winter months. Large specimens produce best flowering, however it is desirable to repot plants every few years to avoid stale, disintegrated potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove spent flowers after flowering.
Pests
Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to scale insects or mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Insufficient ventilation combined with overhead watering may cause bacterial spots on the leaves.
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