Gongora scaphephorus orchid
Common names: Gongora scaphyphora
Synonyms: Gongora truncata var. warscewiczii, Gongora charlesworthii, Gongora incarum, Gongora beyrodtiana, Gongora longipes,
USDA Zone
sunlight
Soil & water
fauna
Description of gongora scaphephorus
Gongora scaphephorus – a striking epiphytic orchid with sculpted, pendulous flowers that hang like living art. Its blooms, ranging from pale yellow to green-brown with delicate markings, release a captivating fragrance that attracts euglossine bees in its native tropical forests. Perfect for collectors, this orchid thrives in humid, airy conditions, bringing the exotic elegance and scent of the rainforest into your greenhouse or home collection.
This orchid is renowned for its strong fragrance, which is usually emitted during the day to attract euglossine bees, its primary pollinators. The scent is often complex and can vary from sweet and floral to spicy or resinous, depending on environmental factors. The flowers themselves can range in color from pale yellow and cream to deeper shades of green or brown, often accented with subtle markings, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of exotic orchids.
Culturally, Gongora scaphephorus is valued both for ornamental cultivation and for its ecological role in tropical forest ecosystems. It prefers humid, well-ventilated conditions with consistent moisture, mimicking the microclimate of its natural epiphytic habitat. While relatively challenging to grow outside its native range, careful attention to humidity, light, and air circulation can allow this orchid to thrive in greenhouses or specialized orchid collections. Its unique appearance and intoxicating scent make it a standout species among the Stanhopeinae subtribe.
GROWTH HABIT
Epiphytic orchid native to Central and northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador).
Exhibits the typical Gongora pendulous inflorescences, with long, arching flower spikes that hang downward elegantly.
Forms clustered, elongated pseudobulbs with narrow, leathery leaves, often growing in shaded, humid forest canopies.
FLOWERS
Colors: pale yellow to green-brown, frequently with red or brown markings along the lip and sepals.
Shape: Distinctive insectiform appearance, characteristic of the Stanhopeinae tribe, with sculpted sepals and lips.
Blooming season: Generally summer through early fall, though timing may vary depending on local conditions and cultivation.
FRAGRANCE
Strong, sweet, and spicy aroma, reminiscent of tropical perfumes.
Fragrant primarily during the daytime, peaking in warm, bright conditions.
Unlike some other Stanhopeas, not known for night-time fragrance.
POLLINATION
Pollinated by euglossine (orchid) bees, which are attracted to the intense, sweet scent of the flowers.
gongora scaphephorus care
LIGHT
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Avoid direct sunlight; it can scorch leaves.
Filtered light under a canopy or greenhouse bench is ideal.
Insufficient light may reduce flowering.
TEMPERATURE
Warm to intermediate: day 70–85°F (21–29°C), night 60–65°F (16–18°C).
Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
HUMIDITY
High humidity: 60–80%.
Mist leaves regularly if air is dry.
Use a humidity tray or humidifier if needed.
WATERING
Keep medium evenly moist during active growth (spring and summer).
Allow slight drying between waterings in cooler months.
Avoid letting pseudobulbs sit in water; they are prone to rot.
POTTING & MEDIUM
Epiphytic habit: use well-draining, airy media.
Bark, coconut husk chips, or mounted on cork/wood slabs work well.
Repot every 2–3 years when medium breaks down.
FERTILIZATION
Use balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at 1/4–1/2 strength.
Apply every 1–2 weeks during active growth.
Reduce or stop fertilization during dormant periods.
FLOWERING
Pendulous inflorescences emerge from mature pseudobulbs.
Ensure consistent humidity and light.
Avoid disturbing roots while flower spikes develop.
AIR CIRCULATION
Maintain good air movement to prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
Especially important in humid conditions.
list of Gongora species
Gongora aceras – Produces yellow-brown flowers with a sweet, spicy fragrance. Known for long pendant spikes and reliable blooming.
Gongora affinis – Similar to G. quinquenervis but generally smaller; flowers have a delicate honey-like scent.
Gongora amparoana – A Colombian species with elongated sepals and maroon markings; rare in cultivation.
Gongora armeniaca – Features bright orange to apricot tones and a fruity fragrance; considered one of the more colorful species. Among 5 top most fragrant.
Gongora aromatica – Famous for its warm, resinous, vanilla-spice scent; flowers are creamy-yellow with cinnamon spotting. Among 5 top most fragrant. Beginner-Friendly
Gongora atropurpurea – Dark purple to nearly black flowers; visually striking and moderately fragrant.
Gongora aubryana – Has pale yellow flowers with red spotting and a mild sweet fragrance; blooms in large cascades.
Gongora baryshnikovii – Recently described and very rare; dark red flowers with heavy spotting.
Gongora brevilabia – Compact species with yellow flowers and small lips; lightly fragrant.
Gongora cassidea – Noted for its “helmet-shaped” lip (cassidea = helmet); flowers are brownish-yellow with a woody scent.
Gongora chocoensis – From the Chocó region; produces deep maroon flowers with a strong resinous scent.
Gongora claviodora – Named for its clove-like smell; flowers in shades of yellow-orange with red freckles. Among 5 top most fragrant.
Gongora cruciformis – Has a distinctive cross-shaped lip; flowers are usually brown and yellow with earthy fragrance.
Gongora dressleri – A rare species with elongated petals and dramatic dark markings; fragrance faint or absent.
Gongora escobariana – Produces yellowish-orange flowers with broad, smooth lips; pleasantly fragrant.
Gongora galeata – Large species with helmet-shaped flowers in brown, red, and yellow tones; scent can be spicy or musky. Among 5 top most fragrant. Beginner-Friendly.
Gongora garayana – Small-flowered species with reddish-brown tones; not strongly fragrant.
Gongora gratulabunda – Pale cream to yellow flowers with red spotting; known for heavy floriferousness.
Gongora grossa – One of the largest Gongoras; heavy spikes with many brown-yellow flowers and a mild earthy scent. Beginner-Friendly
Gongora hannerzii – Flowers are tan with dark maroon barring; somewhat compact habit for a Gongora.
Gongora hegemon – Large yellow flowers with bold brown markings; faintly fragrant and visually impressive.
Gongora ilonae – Rare species with reddish hues and elongated sepals; fragrance is mild.
Gongora irrorata – Pale yellow with fine red speckles (“irrorata” = sprinkled); fragrance light and sweet.
Gongora leucochila – Noted for its white lip (“leucochila” = white-lipped) against brownish petals; fragrance mild.
Gongora linneae – Features long, elegant sepals and creamy flowers; scent is sweet and pleasant.
Gongora lottiae – Rare; flowers are yellow with reddish-brown spotting and a subtle spicy scent.
Gongora maculata – Well-known species with heavy spotting and strong resinous or balsamic fragrance. Among 5 top most fragrant.
Gongora minax – Dark, dramatic maroon flowers; usually not strongly fragrant.
Gongora morrei – Yellow-orange flowers with soft edges and moderate fragrance; rarely seen in cultivation.
Gongora myriantha – Produces very dense flower spikes with many small blossoms; scent light and floral.
Gongora nigrita – Deep reddish to almost black flowers; visually unique, fragrance weak.
Gongora oncidioides – Looks somewhat like an Oncidium; yellow and brown flowers with a mild sweet scent.
Gongora plecostachya – Heavy, many-flowered spikes with yellow-brown blossoms; moderate spicy fragrance.
Gongora portentosa – Large species with boldly patterned flowers; scent tends to be mild and resinous.
Gongora pseudattenuata – Similar to attenuata; produces slender flowers with soft yellow-brown tones.
Gongora quinquenervis – Nearly identical to G. aromatica; spicy-vanilla fragrance and yellow flowers with cinnamon-colored spotting.
Gongora radicans – Known for producing roots along the spike; flowers are brownish-yellow and earthy-scented.
Gongora rufescens – Distinct reddish-brown tones (“rufescens” = reddish) with slight sweet odor.
Gongora sanderiana – Large yellow-cream flowers with dark spots; fragrant and showy.
Gongora scaphephora – Has a unique “boat-shaped” lip; brown and yellow flowers with faint scent. Beginner-Friendly
Gongora seideliana – Small species with compact growth; yellowish flowers with soft red markings.
Gongora similis – Resembles G. quinquenervis but generally smaller; moderate sweet fragrance.
Gongora stangeana – Deep reddish-brown flowers with long sepals; fragrance strong and woody.
Gongora tricolor – As the name suggests, often displays three distinct colors: yellow, red, and brown; mild fragrance.
Gongora truncata – Has a “cut-off” lip shape; flowers in yellow-brown shades.
Gongora unicolor – Typically uniform deep red or orange flowers with minimal pattern; unusual among Gongoras.
Gongora ventricosum – Usually pale yellow with pronounced lip swelling (“ventricosum” = bulging); light fragrance.
Gongora weberbaueri – Rare Peruvian species with narrow sepals and maroon-brown coloration.
Gongora zuchowskiae – Recently described Costa Rican species; yellow-orange flowers with fine red spotting.
