Name: Stanhopea embreei – orange color form

Etymology: The genus name Stanhopea honors Philip Henry Stanhope, 4th Earl Stanhope. The species epithet embreei is a name of honor. The additional designation “orange” identifies the particularly orange-toned flower color of this selection offered here.

Origin/Distribution: Ecuador.

Location/Habitat: The species grows epiphytically in humid Andean forests. We recommend bright to semi-shaded, filtered light, high humidity, and very good air circulation. Temperate conditions of approximately 14–25 °C during the day and 10–18 °C at night are favorable. During active growth, the plant needs regular and abundant watering.

Description and Notes: This orange color form of Stanhopea embreei has the species’ vigorous growth, with pseudobulbs and one large, pleated leaf on each. The large, fleshy, striking flowers develop on downward-growing inflorescences and, in this selection, are distinguished by particularly warm orange hues. We prefer to grow it in an open basket with a coarse, airy substrate that retains some moisture. During growth, we water and fertilize regularly, using water that is as soft as possible. After the growths have matured, watering can be reduced somewhat, without allowing the pseudobulbs to shrivel significantly.