Stanhopea hernandezii

This species is native to Mexico in a narrow range on the southwest side of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt at lower elevations from 5575 to 7220 feet (1700 to 2200 m) in moist forests with a seasonal dry period.  The range includes the states of Guerrero, Mexico, Michoacan and Morelos.  This Stanhopea grows as a semi-terrestrial and lithophyte in shallow soil over rock or in decaying leaf litter.  Because of the decrease in winter rainfall and growth with little cover, this orchid tends to dry out a bit over the winter and this initiates flowering in late spring and summer.  However, reducing water in the winter without sufficient humidity will often lead to leaf drop, so never let this species completely dry out.  This leaf drop will often occur on younger pseudobulbs.  I grow this species outside on the north side of the house with full shade to dappled sunlight.  This species is a cool to intermediate grower for southern California.

Stanhopea hernandezii inflorescence

The flowers of this species are approximately 3.7 inches (9.4 cm) across with large reddish spots throughout the petals and sepals over a background color that can be a cream to buff or yellow.  The species is included in the Saccata section of Stanhopea that have inflated hypochiles that are sack-like.  The inflorescence holds typically 2 to 3 flowers and is rather short 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long.  The leaves of this clone are also short 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm) long, while other clones have leaves 8 to 9 inches (20.3-22.9 cm) long.  The pseudobulbs are 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide and are oval and smooth, lacking many of the ribs seen in other Stanhopea.

Stanhopea hernandezii flower

The fragrance of this orchid is a bit difficult to describe but is a mixture of vanilla, herbs, peppermint, and cinnamon. The fragrance varies throughout the day and even has a similarity to bubblegum at times, very different than S. tigrina which this species is sometimes confused with.

Stanhopea hernandezii close up showing the inflated hypochile

Stanhopea embreei

Stanhopea embreei growing underneath
 trees in dappled shade

This species is native to moderate elevations 1,640-3,937 feet (500-1200 meters) of the western Andes in Ecuador and Peru.  It grows in moist cloud forests and is often subjected to cool winds and temperatures.  This species grows well outdoors in coastal southern California in part shade out of direct sun.  The leaves are wide and rather thin so they can be easily burned when subjected to too much sun or adversely affected by lack of water.  This is one of the earlier flowering species and can bloom as early as June to July.  Some forms have flowers with yellow blotches or reddish brown eye spots at the base of the petals. This form has its first inflorescence with only two flowers, but also has random single spots on some sepals. This species has a unique fragrance that is herbal and sweet. To me it smells like a mixture of sweet witch hazel and fresh basil, or a nice herbal liqueur like Becherovka!

Stanhopea embreei labellum and column detail

This orchid produces inflorescences from late spring to early summer with 3-7 flowers that are small (for the genus) 3.5 inches (8.75 cm) wide. The form shown in the photograph has flowers that are 4.4 inches (11.1 cm) wide.  These flowers are primarily white, often with a bright yellow hypochile, and a dark purple to reddish brown eye spot on the upper portion of the hypochile.  The flowers will often fade to an ivory color after a day or so.  The horns are rather short and narrow with purple to red small spots on the interior side.  The epichile is widely spade shaped and has small purple to red spots on the upper side.

This species would make a great addition to a Stanhopea collection with the beautiful flowers, unique fragrance and the added benefit of being one of the earlier blooming species.