Species, Natural Hybrid Orchid, Cattleya

This Laelia is said to grow at sea level in Brazil. However, a reputable research institution places it way above sea level for a minimum...Read More altitude, which I believe is the case. The hot and humid summers in inland Central Florida seem to easily burn and stress out this species even if given some shade and frequent irrigation. If this species is found wild in coastal areas, they must be areas that do not get too hot! Coastal growers in FL seem to get better results. They are too hard to grow for me here. I'll stick with heat-loving species.

This plant loves to be outside in the summer and gains strength to flower as the weather warms. It blooms profusely and has very good fo...Read Morerm and substance. I have been able to divide it several times.

Another jewel of the brazilian rainforests, considered by some the "Queen of all orchids", claimed to be the "ideal orchid", and the "mos...Read Moret beautiful orchid of the world". I have my personal opinion about this subject, but these guys do have a point.

This is a vigorous orchid, with thick roots and though, cylindric to ovate pseudobulb, bearing 1 thick and leathery leaf each. The flowers come from the top of it, usually 3-5 per plant every summer. These flowers are large, and the colors may vary from white to pink/red, with long and broad petals and narrower sepals. The lip is wide, with a darker color (from dark pink to purple or dark red). The lip forms a tube around the column, where it gets yellow with the veins marked with pink/red/purple. The common flower can reach up to 10cm across, and is very fragrant.

It needs partial shade, moderate to high temperatures, high moisture and some humidity. It often grows a lot and wants to get out of the vase, but wait until it has launched 2 or 3 floating pseudobulbs off the vase borders to finally separate them and plant on somewhere else. Use fiber or bark bits, and fertilize it once in a while.

I have 3 different plants of this species - the older one is 8 years old now -, and they are some of the few that I could make to bloom. They are very resistant to low rainfall and abundant sun light. I have one that recieves afternoon sun, and looks healthy. The others are hidden, and are equally going well. This species is used on hybridizations for its excelent qualities, and its descendants are quite often very tough plants.