Stanhoepa tigrina nigroviolacea ‘Black Widow’ FCC/AOS

[DrLeslieEe]

These flowers caught the attention of the judges at the Cali show here in Colombia. With 3 huge black flowers and an incredible sweet aroma that permeated the room, it betwitched us with its claws and cast a spell on all those who saw it.

After an extensive research on past awards, we were shocked it was similar in size to the previous FCC’s like Predator, but with one difference… it had an extra flower per inflorescence (3 here vs 2 in others)

As team captain, I didn’t want to influence the score, but as they came in, it was without a doubt that it would received an FCC! Final score? 92 points!!! Wow…

See for yourself how it became to be known now as the ‘Black Widow’!

 

[GuRu]

Another WOW Leslie.....seems you are enjoing the time there very much.

 

[TyroneGenade]

Can these be grown well indoors? I used grow them outside back in South Africa... But the plants got huge.

 

[Guldal]

Incroyable!

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Can these be grown well indoors? I used grow them outside back in South Africa... But the plants got huge.

They get big but people have grown inside. Tough to bloom without natural humidity and air flow.

 

[Tom-DE]

Fantastic color for Stanhopea tigrina. People should grow more of those.... Colombia in South America? I guess this is not your plant?

For research on this forum, please correct the title spelling if you can.

 

[Tom-DE]

Can these be grown well indoors? I used grow them outside back in South Africa... But the plants got huge.

I used to grow a few Stanhopea as well. They did fantastic outdoors(by the woods/a outdoors growing area) for me during the warmer months. They need a lot of water when they are growing, but much drier in winter...It would be difficult if you grow them year-round indoors....They will do okay under HID light indoors for the winter, with good humidity and air movement.

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Fantastic color for Stanhopea tigrina. People should grow more of those.... Colombia in South America? I guess this is not your plant?

For research on this forum, please correct the title spelling if you can.

Ooops Stanhopea is the correct genus. If an admin can correct I would appreciate it.

Not my plant… I am in Cali, Colombia judging orchids.

 

[NYEric]

Nice, too bad we can't see from a better angle.

 

[abax]

Almost spooky and so intricate. Beautiful.

 

[TyroneGenade]

I used to grow a few Stanhopea as well. They did fantastic outdoors(by the woods/a outdoors growing area) for me during the warmer months. They need a lot of water when they are growing, but much drier in winter...It would be difficult if you grow them year-round indoors....They will do okay under HID light indoors for the winter, with good humidity and air movement.

Hopefully some US growers will have a few spare back-bulbs in the spring. I have a nice Japanese maple I can hang the plant under in the summer. No problem with lights in winter -- I grow under lights in my basement and have no trouble with Tolumnia and Catts except for mealie bugs.

I know what you mean by these plants getting BIG. My old plant grew in a 45 cm diameter basket under a big tree. It didn't take long to fill the basket. Too bad the leaves always got a bit tatty outside. For the fews days the plant was in flower it was worth the effort of watering the thing every day (2x in summer).

Thanks for the inspiration, Leslie, and the good advice, Tom.

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Some other angles of flower:

 

[blondie]

A stunner and congrats.
I think this one is the best of all Stanhopea species and has the best scent