Stanhopea tigrina – The upside down orchid

Stanhopea tigrina is a mesmerising epiphytic orchid native to the cloud forests of eastern and southern Mexico. Renowned for its bold, tiger-striped flowers and intense fragrance, this orchid belongs to a genus famed for producing some of the most visually dramatic and short-lived blooms in the orchid world. Its captivating blossoms are not only ornamental but also evolved to attract specific pollinators with surgical precision.

Distinctive Features

• Spectacular flowers: Large, pendant blooms marked with intricate maroon spots and stripes, reminiscent of a tiger’s coat.
• Powerful scent: Emits a strong, sweet, spicy fragrance that can fill an entire room when in bloom.
• Unique blooming habit: Flowers emerge downward through the bottom of hanging baskets, requiring open or slatted containers for proper display.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
• Water: Keep consistently moist during the growing season, allowing for slight drying between waterings in winter.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels, ideally above 60%, especially during active growth.
• Media: Use a loose, airy mix such as bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to ensure excellent drainage.
• Temperature: Thrives in intermediate to warm conditions; 15–27°C is optimal.
• Fertiliser: Apply a balanced orchid fertiliser fortnightly during the growing season; reduce in winter.
• Repotting: Only when necessary, preferably after flowering; use baskets or slatted wooden containers to accommodate pendant inflorescences.