Stanhopea wardii

RHS Plant Profile
Ward's standhopea

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Conservatory Greenhouse

Tropical epiphytic orchid with elliptic, dark green, leathery leaves. The plant produces a clump of pseudobulbs (thickened stem of ovoid shape on the base of each growth), which serve as a storage organ for water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb carries one large, 40cm long and 12cm broad leaf. Pendant flowers stems emerge from the basket base in summer and carry up to 10 yellow-orange, lightly spotted flowers. Scented flowers are short-lived, lasting only 2 or 3 days, but large plant produces numerous racemes that flower in succession. This orchid has evolved in a unique way - to mimic and deceive its pollinator. Downwards facing, complex flowers are pollinated by male Euglossine bees (also called Orchid Bees) that confuse the flowers for females.

Position

Partial shade

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
C 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.