Grammatophyllum stapeliiflorum

The Vancouver Orchid Society annual show has finished! It was a lot of work and a lot of fun! 
I've seen Grammatophyllum stapeliiflorum there the first time. One orchid lover described its flowers "like the result of a night of drunken carousing between an orchid and a bat". It's pretty funny description, but the exact one.
Let's examine the needs of this orchid.

Private collectors are often attracted by this lush plant, which bears attractive foliage if grows in big clumps. 
Plant is found growing on large trees in Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Celebes and the Philippines at elevations of 200 to 1000 meters.
These plants are usually rare in cultivation due to their spacial requirements. Plants require direct sunlight and intermediate to warm temperatures. 

Temperature: Grammatophyllum will tolerate considerable summer heat as long as they get cool, mild night temperatures (between 50-65 degrees F.). Plants can tolerate temperatures up to 100°F and as low as 45°F. Cold weather, even down to 28 degrees F. for a few hours each night, will not damage an acclimatized plant, but once the plant spikes or flowers, it should be protected from temperatures below 35 degrees F. Regardless, plants should always be kept free of frost.

Light: Your Grammatophyllum enjoys the morning and afternoon sun most, yet should be protected from the hot mid-day sun. A light green leaf with just a hint of yellow indicates the maximum amount of sun the plant can take, and a dark green leaf indicates not enough sun.

Water: Watering of Grammatophylum is a delicate balancing act. Water frequently in spring to early fall during growth period, but do not keep mix wet and damp. In the winter reduce watering and water when potting media is dried.They should not be allowed to go dry, yet they don't care for a soggy environment either. Watering once every seven to ten days is about right. As with everything else, special consideration must be given for the drying effects of varying ambient air temperature and humidity.

Feeding:  Plants need to be heavily fertilized during growing season. Pot in sphagnum moss or medium fir bark. Mix should be well drained. High nitrogen fertilizers (25-9-9) should be used from February until July, while low nitrogen fertilizers (6-25-25) should be used from August until January. Feed one teaspoon to a gallon of water once a month.


Repot: Repot every two to three years from February to June with a well-draining medium. Fine bark is suitable in mild summer climates, while a finer medium Orchid Mix works well in warmer summer areas.

 Keep area well ventilated.

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