The Laelia orchid is one of the most popular and important of all the orchids not only due to the spectacular beauty of the blossom but because they are easy to culture and grow. Plus we love the fragrance. Likely named after one of the Vestal Virgins (priestesses of the goddess of the hearth, Vesta), Laelia, or a female member of a patrician (an elite family) in ancient Rome named Laelius, they are actually from Mexico and subtropical Central America.

Abbreviated “L.” in the horticultural trade, this is one of the smaller types in the orchid family, about 25 species. This gorgeous specimen called Laelia speciosa loves their natural habitat which is high elevation and prefers a sunny, dry yet cool climate. Other specimens will grow profusely in the rain forest where there are warm, humid summer days and a dry cool winter.

Most Laelia orchids are Epiphytes, which simply means that they grow on another plant such as a pine tree or on objects like buildings. They get their nutrients and moisture from the rain and air and sometimes from debris around the plants like some mosses, lichens and algae do. In other words, they grow as if they are air plants like many ferns and cacti. A few of them are Lithophytes which is a type of plant that will grow on rocks. They also feed off of moss and rain water, nearby litter and even their own dead remains. Closely related to Cattleya orchids, they have twice as many pollinia, the mass of pollen grains within their blossoms.

Fairly easy to grow, at least I found them to be, some of these orchid varieties are surprisingly tolerant of drought. Not many orchids are. They are very dependent on the habitat but many grow very well as mounted specimens, as on trees. They like it when their roots get plenty of air circulation along with a wet and dry weather cycle. Their stems are usually short, about thirty inches, and their pseudobulbs are quite separate from each other.

They can be two inches to thirty inches long and one or two waxy leaves develop from each pseudobulb. The leaf itself can grow as long as eight inches. The colors, ah the colors, can change from a bright vivid pink to purple with a gorgeous purple lip that shades down to white closer to the column. Other species are white with a white or yellow center. These albino flowers are rare, are prized by orchid fanciers and are in high demand. The blooms can be from 6 to ten cm wide (2 to 4 inches) and bloom in spring or autumn, depending on the altitude and conditions. Some will bloom from autumn all the way into spring of the next year.

When you grow them at home, they should be grown in a medium fir bark with access to partial to full sun. You should water them approximately once a week or you can mount them and spray as needed. Just reduce watering during the winter. They like the weather conditions to be cool to warm, not hot.

Laelia orchids easily form hybrids within the genus (type or group) and combine with other orchids including the Brassavola, Cattleya and Rhyncholaelia orchids. Laelias from Brazil have now been placed in the Cattleya genus to avoid confusion after being relegated to the Sophronities genus (type) for several years. You may know that the striking Cattleya orchid is prized for their use in floral corsages. So is the Laelia orchid. A source for learning more about the hybrids of the Laelia orchid is the American Orchid Society. Generally, simply follow the instructions that come with the plant from the nursery or the grower for planting, fertilizing and repotting. Orchid care need not be stressful or expensive. After all, a hobby is meant to be relaxing and enjoyable. Gardening, especially growing orchids, can be the best way to take pleasure in nature and nurture. We’re so lucky to have the opportunity of choice.

The following video is a stunning display of the Laelia orchid.  Don’t miss watching it.

For more resources and articles about this wonderful Laelia orchid plant, please click on the links presented below:

Even the most experienced orchid growers every once in a while can use some fresh ideas, some good advice and new orchid sources to turn to. We understand all that and have therefore created this Orchid Care.org for you to peruse and enjoy. Stay a while and please make your visits frequent.

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