Laelia albida is native to Mexico. It is found growing in the oak and pine forest of western Mexico at elevations of 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level.
Laelia albida also called as The Albescent Laelia, Amalia albida, Bletia albida, Cattleya albida, Laelia albida f. sulphurea, Laelia albida var. brunnea, Laelia albida var. maryaniae, Laelia albida var. ochracea, Laelia albida var. stobartiana, Laelia albida var. sulphurea, Laelia albida var. tuckeri, Laelia candida, Laelia discolor, Laelia maryaniae, is a species of the genus Laelia. This species was described by James Bateman ex John Lindley in 1839.
IDENTIFY LAELIA ALBIDA ORCHID PLANT
Laelia albida is native to Mexico. It is found growing in the oak and pine forest of western Mexico at elevations of 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level.
It is a medium sized, cool growing miniature epiphyte or lithophyte with clustered, conical-ovoid, about 6 to 30 cm in length pseudobulbs that wrinkle with age, partially enveloped basally by a few scarious, triangular sheaths, carrying 2 to 3, apical, linear-ensiform, coriaceous, somewhat fleshy, dark green, conduplicate below into the clasping base, about 20 cm in length leaves.
The Albescent Laelia blooms in the fall and winter on a apical, erect to arching, slender, 12 to 60 cm long, 2 to 9 flowered racemose inflorescence with closely apressed sheathing bracts all along, arising on a mature pseudobulb and carrying 3 to 10, scented flowers. The up to 7.5 cm in diameter, pale pink flowers with a purple lip that turns white in the vicinity of the column.
LAELIA ALBIDA 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 albida like good light (30000-40000 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.
Temperature:
The Albescent Laelia 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:
This orchid species need good air movement year round. It require moderate to high humidity (50-70%) in summer but low humidity in winter.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Laelia albida can be grown mounted, in hanging baskets or in pots. It develops much better on cork or hardwood than in a pot. 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.
This orchid don’t like being disturbed, when they outgrow the pot, 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.
Watering:
The Albescent Laelia 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. 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:
Laelia albida have a long 7- 8 months dry rest period during the cooler months. Cool nights and bright light is very important during this period.
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