Stanhopea costaricensis

A fragrant epiphyte from the cloud forests of Central America, producing large pendulous flowers with heavily spotted, outward-curving lateral sepals, two bold black ocellate spots on the hypochile, and a dramatically sculptural lip with elongated, downward-curving bifid epichile lobes that give each bloom a striking, almost creature-like presence.

• Light: Bright indirect light with 40–60% shade cloth; avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the large pleated leaves.
• Temperature: 65–86°F (18–30°C); a Warm grower with a minimum tolerance around 60°F (16°C).
• Humidity: 60–80%; tolerates moderate humidity but benefits from good air movement around the foliage.
• Watering: Water generously during active growth, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering during cooler rest periods.

Additional Notes

Must be grown in an open basket or slatted container to allow the pendulous inflorescences to emerge downward through the bottom. Use a coarse, well-draining bark mix. Plants are shipped bare root and well-established.