Laelia rubescens

Laelia rubescens

Native to: Mexico and Central America. Laelia rubescens grows on exposed tree trunks in seasonally dry deciduous forests from sea level to 1700 meters from Mexico to western Panama.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Laelia rubescens are egg-shaped and compressed and have a single long, narrow leaf (ocassionally two leaves). Leaves are dark green.

Flower Size: Small to Medium. 2 inches (4-7 cm).

Flower Description: Frangrant. The typical flower color of Laelia rubescens is pale to concolor pink. The flower spike forms on new growths and can reach 3 feet (1 meter) in height. The flowers are clustered near the tip of the infloresence.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia rubescens does well mounted or in pots and is easy to grow. It can be grown outside in Southern California in frost-free areas.

A few different color forms exist:

Laelia rubescens var. alba - This form has white petals and sepals with a yellow throat.

Laelia rubescens var. aurea - This form has medium yellow petals and sepals with a yellow lip. It may be a separate species.

Laelia rubescens var. semi-alba - The semi-alba form has white petals and sepals with a colored lip.
Grow Laelia rubescens on tree fern or cork slabs. Provide bright light with good air circulation and ample water during active growth. Give the species a dry winter rest after flowering.

Synonyms: Amalia acuminata; Amalia peduncularis; Amalia rubescens; Bletia acuminata; Bletia peduncularis; Bletia rubescens; Bletia violacea; Cattleya acuminata; Cattleya pendicularis; Cattleya rubescens,Laelia acuminata; Laelia inconspicua; Laelia peduncularis; Laelia pubescens; Laelia rubescens f. peduncularis; Laelia violacea