Name: Stanhopea oculata (Lodd.) Lindl.
Synonyms (selection of historical names):
Ceratochilus oculatus Lodd.; Anguloa oculata Lodd.;
Stanhopea aurantia; S. aurea; S. bucephalus; S. cymbiformis;
S. guttata; S. lindleyana; S. lindleyi; S. minor;
S. purpusii; Stanhopea ornatissima;
as well as numerous varieties of Stanhopea oculata.
Etymology:
oculata = “eyed” — referring to the striking, eye-like markings on the sepals and petals.

First description:
Initially described by Conrad Loddiges; transferred to the genus Stanhopea by John Lindley in 1832.
Origin / Distribution:
Southern Mexico to Central America (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua).
Location / Habitat:
Epiphytic in moist to very moist tropical forests, often at intermediate elevations between approximately 600 and 1,600 m. The plants usually grow in crotches of branches with accumulated organic material. Characteristic conditions are high humidity, pronounced air movement, and bright but filtered light.
Description & Notes:
Stanhopea oculata is a robust, sympodially growing species with large, folded leaves and distinctly pronounced pseudobulbs. The spectacular flowers appear on pendulous inflorescences that emerge through the substrate. The cream to yellowish flowers show characteristic darker “eye” markings and emit an intense, sweet-spicy fragrance.

Due to the pendulous inflorescences, the species is suitable exclusively for baskets or very open containers. During the growing phase, it requires plenty of water and nutrients; after the bulbs have matured, watering should be slightly reduced without allowing the plant to dry out completely.