Originating from the Americas, Stanhopeas (AKA ‘The Upside Down’ orchid) grow in tropical climates from Tropic of Cancer through the Equatorial regions and down to the Tropic of Capricorn. They are also known to grow well in sub-Tropical areas of New South Wales and Sydney. But Melbourne is considered a cool-climate environment and in the summerof 2021 is currently in a La Niña weather pattern and experiencing a much cooler summer than usual. So, it was magnificent to see so many Stanhopeas presented by Southern Suburbs Orchid Society (SSOS) members at the February Members Only Virtual Voting competition. Over three judging sections, there were 14 Stanhopeas to choose from.

• Unusual, exciting, exotic and bizarre, the flowers do not last long and the perfumes are rich and intense. I can show you the flowers, but unfortunately they are not able to be ‘scratch and sniff’.

Stanhopea Tigrina [Grower: A&J Randle]

Stanhopea tigrina [Grower: H Formica]

Stanhopea tigrina [Grower: C Scerri]

Stanhopea ‘Tigrina x Oculata’ [Grower: E Kelly]

Stanhopea tigrina var nigroviolacea [Grower: C Scerri]

Stanhopea spindleriana [Grower: H Formica]

Stanhopea spindleriana [Grower: T Liston]

Stanhopea [Grower: V Hayes]

Stanhopea nigroviolacea [Grower: E Kelly]

Stanhopea nigroviolacea ‘Bentleigh’ [Grower: H Aberl]

Stanhopea hybrid Gregerana x Inadora [Grower: H Aberl]

Stanhopea nigroviolacea [Grower: T Liston]

Stanhopea spindleriana [Grower: H Formica]

Stanhopea nigroviolacea [Grower: H Formica]

• If you are interested in handy tips on growing Stanhopeas, Visit our Orchid Care  – Stanhopeas page

See our photo gallery pages for:

Cattleyas and Laelias | Coelogynes | Cymbidiums | Dendrobiums | Masdevallias | Oncidiums | Paphiopedilums | Phalaenopsis | Pleiones | Pterostylis | Sarcochilus | Stanhopeas | Zygopetalums | Other Genera

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