Name: Stanhopea insignis J.Frost ex Hook.

Etymology: The genus name Stanhopea honors Philip Henry Stanhope, 4th Earl Stanhope. The Latin specific epithet insignis means “excellent,” “striking,” or “remarkable,” and refers to the impressive flowers.

Origin/Distribution: Brazil.

Location/Habitat: The species grows epiphytically in humid forests. We recommend bright to partially shaded, filtered light, high humidity, and very good air circulation. Temperate to warm conditions of approximately 15–27 °C during the day and 11–19 °C at night are favorable. During active growth, the plant needs regular and abundant watering.

Description and Notes: Stanhopea insignis is one of the historically well-known species in the genus and produces robust pseudobulbs with large, pleated leaves. Its large, fleshy, usually intensely fragrant flowers appear on downward-growing inflorescences. We therefore grow the species in an open basket with a coarse, airy substrate that retains a little moisture. During growth, we water and fertilize regularly, using water that is as soft as possible; after the new growths have matured, we reduce watering somewhat without allowing the pseudobulbs to shrivel significantly.