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Description
Stanhopea Tigrina, commonly known as the Tiger-Striped Stanhopea, is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is native to Central America and can be found in the countries of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It is an epiphytic orchid, which means that it grows on other plants, usually trees.The plant has a unique and exotic appearance, which makes it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts. Its flowers are large, measuring up to 15 cm in diameter, and are characterized by their striking tiger-like stripes. The plant blooms in the spring and summer months, and each flower can last for up to two weeks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Stanhopea |
Appearance
Stanhopea Tigrina is a medium-sized orchid that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant has a thick stem that supports a few leaves, and from the base of the stem, it produces long and drooping inflorescences that can carry up to ten flowers.The flowers of the plant are large, measuring up to 15 cm in diameter. They have a unique shape, with a round and flattened lip that is surrounded by two horn-like structures. The petals and sepals are yellow to green in color and are covered with dark brown to black stripes that resemble tiger stripes.
Care Guide
Like most orchids, Stanhopea Tigrina requires a specific set of growing conditions to thrive. Here are some guidelines for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week, and make sure to allow the water to drain out of the pot completely.- Fertilization: The plant needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant is an epiphyte, which means that it grows on other plants. Therefore, it requires a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Use a mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stanhopea Tigrina is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. To prevent infestations, keep the plant well-watered and mist the leaves regularly.- Scale insects: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent infestations, inspect the plant regularly and remove any scale insects manually.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots of the plant to rot. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Stanhopea Tigrina is native to Central America and can be found in the countries of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The plant grows in humid and shaded areas, usually in the understory of tropical forests. It is an epiphytic orchid, which means that it grows on other plants, usually trees.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Stanhopea Tigrina?
A: Water the plant once a week, and make sure to allow the water to drain out of the pot completely.Q: What kind of soil does Stanhopea Tigrina require?
A: The plant requires a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Use a mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.Q: What kind of sunlight does Stanhopea Tigrina prefer?
A: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for Stanhopea Tigrina?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same genus as Stanhopea Tigrina:- Stanhopea wardii- Stanhopea oculata- Stanhopea gibbosa- Stanhopea tricornis- Stanhopea graveolens
References
– “Stanhopea tigrina.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287180.- “Stanhopea tigrina.” Orchids Wiki, orchids.fandom.com/wiki/Stanhopea_tigrina.- “Stanhopea tigrina.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13718/Stanhopea-tigrina/Details.
