Laelia orchid can be found from western Mexico south to Bolivia. They are found in forests from sea level to mountain habitats above 2000 meters. The Laelia group has been used to make many different intergeneric hybrids.
Laelia also called as Amalias, Hadrolaelia, Hoffmannseggella, is a genus of the family Orchidaceae. This genus was described by John Lindley in 1831.
IDENTIFY LAELIA ORCHID PLANT
Laelia orchid can be found from western Mexico south to Bolivia. They are found in forests from sea level to mountain habitats above 2000 meters. The Laelia group has been used to make many different intergeneric hybrids.
The species of this genus are mostly epiphyte herbs (with a few lithophytes) with laterally compressed pseudobulbs that carry 1-4 leathery or fleshy leaves which are born near the top of each pseudobulb, and can be broadly ovate to oblong.
New growths appear in spring and flower spikes appear from the new growths in summer. Flowers open as the new growths mature in late autumn-winter. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme (rarely a panicle). The flowers have 8 pollinia; petals are of a thinner texture than the sepals; sepals and petals are of similar shape, but the sepals being narrower; the lip or labellum is free from the arched flower column.
Two Mexican species, Laelia anceps and Laelia gouldiana are considered to be the easiest to grow under cool to cold conditions in an unheated shade house. Other Laelia species, with a few exceptions discussed below, are better grown under glasshouse conditions.
LAELIA ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Laelia orchid like good light (20000-40000 lux) with about 30-50% shade in summer but no direct sun. They require high light intensity during their dormant period in winter. They like direct morning sun but avoid afternoon light and deep shade. Brazilian and Mexican Laelia species come from environments that typically receive 30000-40000 lux.
Temperature:
Laelia anceps and Laelia gouldiana from Mexico come from an environment that experiences a typical temperature range of 12°C to 27°C but temperatures can fall to -7°C. They can tolerate summer temperatures as high as 40°C for short periods provided they are well watered and humidity is maintained through misting. They will tolerate winter minimum night temperatures down to 0°C for short periods provided they are protected from frost and kept relatively dry. Although they will tolerate these temperature extremes, growth will be better under a more moderate temperature range of 6 to 28°C where this is possible.
The Brazilian Laelia species come from environments that have a normal temperature range of 16°C to 24°C with winter temperatures of about 12°C and rarely experience temperatures below 8°C and therefore are not likely to be as cold tolerant as the Mexican Laelia species.
Mexican Laelia species, such as Laelia speciosa, experience a typical temperature range of 2°C to 28°C in their native environments although extremes of -7 to 38°C are possible. Winter daytime temperatures of about 20°C and night temperatures of 3-5°C are typical during their dry resting period.
Humidity:
Laelia orchid need good air movement year round. They require moderate to high humidity (50-70%) in summer but low humidity in winter.
Substrate and growing media:
Both Laelia anceps and Laelia gouldiana can be grown mounted, in hanging baskets or in pots. They are often grown on slabs as they grow drier than other Laelia species. When grown in pots they need a coarse bark free and fast draining potting medium. Roots may rot if they do not dry quickly after watering. Younger plants could have a finer bark with larger bark being used as plants become bigger. Mounted plants need to be watered daily in summer.
As Laelia don’t like being disturbed, when they outgrow the pot some growers simply place the plant and its pot into a slightly larger pot (over pot) allowing the roots to fill the space between the two pots. Repotting may be necessary however when the bark becomes decomposed.
The Brazilian Laelia species are usually found growing on sandstone and are usually grown in pots. Some growers recommend placing pieces of sandstone in the potting mix if root growth is a problem with these species. Always use the smallest pot possible as they dry faster and large pots increase the risk of root rot.
Watering:
In their native environment they receive daily rain in summer and so should receive regular watering during the warmer summer and autumn months, preferably daily in hot weather. Plants on slabs should be watered daily in warm weather. Brazilian Laelia species experience a 2-3 months dry season.
The Mexican Laelia species such as Laelia speciosa, experience a very long dry period (severe drought) lasting 7-8 months until late spring in their native habitat and so they should only receive occasional light watering during winter when they are dormant and resting. They should not be watered during cold, overcast weather and need protection from winter rain. Over watering in winter can lead to plant decline and death of the plant. They may not flower if they don’t have a long dry rest. Regular watering should only commence after flowering is completed although plants can be misted or given a very light watering.
Fertilizer:
Liquid fertilizers should be applied regularly during the growing season but not in winter. Some growers recommend a low nitrogen but high phosphorus fertilizer in late summer and autumn. Liquid seaweed fertilizer can also be applied.
Rest period:
The Laelia orchids from Mexico (except Laelia rubescens) have a long 7- 8 months dry rest period during the cooler months. The Brazilian Laelia species have a short 2-3 months dry period.
BUY LAELIA ORCHID PLANT AND RELATED PRODUCTS
SOME SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF LAELIA WITH CARE TIPS AND CULTURE:
- Laelia albida - The Albescent Laelia
- Laelia anceps - Two-edged Laelia
- Laelia cinnabarina - The Cinnabar Laelia
- Laelia eyermaniana - Eyerman's Laelia
- Laelia ghillanyi - Ghilliany's Laelia
- Laelia gouldiana - Gould's Laelia
- Laelia harpophylla - The Sickle-leaf Laelia
- Laelia jongheana - The Jonghe Laelia
- Laelia longipes - The Long-Peduncled Laelia
- Laelia milleri - Miller's Laelia
- Laelia perrinii - Perrin's Laelia
- Laelia purpurata - Purple-stained Laelia
- Laelia rubescens - The Rosy Tinted Laelia
- Laelia speciosa - May-flowered - Showy Laelia
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