Description

Immerse Yourself in the Exotic Charm of Stanhopea tigrina: A Predatory Orchid from Tropical Orchids Portugal

Enter the fascinating world of orchids with Stanhopea tigrina, also known as the Tiger Orchid, available at Tropical Orchids Portugal. This exotic plant, native to Mexico, is renowned for its striking appearance, intense fragrance, and unusual pollination strategies.

Origin and Characteristics:

• Origin native to the tropical forests of Mexico.
• Family: Orchidaceae, genus Stanhopea.
• Habitat: Epiphytic plant, growing supported by trees or other plants in its natural environment.
• Pseudobulbs: Large and rounded, storing water and nutrients.
• Leaves: Leathery, elongated, and dark green.
• Inflorescences: Hanging with large, showy flowers that can reach 10-12 cm in diameter.
• Fragrance: Aromatic flowers that emit a sweet and intense perfume, especially at night, to attract pollinators.
• Flower Colors: Sepals are yellow with brown spots resembling a tiger’s coat, and the lip (labellum) is dark red with glandular hairs, justifying its nickname.

Why Choose Stanhopea tigrina:

• Exotic Visual Appeal: The tiger-striped flowers become the center of attention, adding a touch of uniqueness to your orchid collection.
• Sweet Nighttime Fragrance: Immerse yourself in the pleasant aroma that the flower releases at night, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
• Adapted to Epiphytic Growth: Ideal for growing on wooden mounts or tree bark, mimicking its natural habitat.
• Relatively Easy to Care For: Requires moderate watering, filtered light, and high humidity.
• Suitable for Warm and Humid Climates: Adapts well to mild to warm temperatures.

To properly cultivate your Stanhopea tigrina and ensure its flowering, follow our recommendations:

• Light: Provide filtered light, avoiding direct sunlight.
• Watering: Water moderately, allowing the substrate to almost dry out between waterings. Increase the frequency during hotter periods.
• Humidity: High humidity is essential. Use a humidifier, place the pot on a tray with water and pebbles, or mist the plant regularly.
• Temperature: Prefers mild to warm temperatures, between 18°C and 29°C.
• Fertilization: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a specific orchid fertilizer diluted in the watering.

The pollination strategy of Stanhopea tigrina is fascinating:

• Its sweet scent attracts male insects that enter the flower in search of nectar.
• Once inside, the insect becomes trapped by the glandular hairs on the labellum, which simulate the scent of a female of the same species.
• Frustrated and trying to escape, the insect carries the pollinia (a granular mass containing pollen) to another female flower, achieving cross-pollination.

With Tropical Orchids Portugal, you will have access to:

• Healthy and acclimatized plants.
• Expert orchid support.
• Specific substrates and fertilizers for epiphytic cultivation.
• Cultivation tips to ensure success with your Stanhopea tigrina.

Bring home Stanhopea tigrina, an orchid that combines exotic beauty, a striking fragrance, and a curious pollination strategy. Delight in nature and surprise your visitors. Visit our website or contact us to acquire yours today!