Laelia bancalarii

Laelia bancalarii

Native to: Mexico. Laelia bancalarii is endemic to the western slopes of Jalisco. It is found growing on evergreen oak trees above 1000 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium. The plant is very similar to Laelia autumnalis but the leaves are longer; 10 inches (25 cm) long and 1" (2.5 cm) wide. Bifoliate.
Flower Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Flower Description: Similar to Laelia autumnalis. The flower color ranges from rose-purple to pink. The lip has darker color on the lobe and is white toward the center with yellow keels. The flower stalk is long and has 6 or 7 flowers near the end of the inflorescence.
Bloom Season: January to April
Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate
Additional Information: The culture of Laelia bancalarii is the same as for Laelia autumnalis. It grows well mounted on cork bark or a branch but adapts to container culture if given a coarse, well-drained growing media. Provide a cool, dry winter rest period. Once, this species was classified as a variety of Laelia autumnalis but was elevated to species status due to its unique spring blooming habit.
Synonyms: Laelia autumnalis atrorubens

Laelia autumnalis

Laelia autumnalis

Native to: Laelia autumnalis is native to Mexico. Grows between 1500 and 2600 meters in elevation in the mountains of the central and southern part of the country on scrubby evergreen oaks and moss-covered rocks.

Plant Size: Small to Medium. Laelia autumnalis has conical pseudobulbs that are topped with 2 to 3 long leathery leaves. Pseudobulbs become wrinkled and furrowed with age. Flower stems are arching and grow between 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) long.

Flower Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant, long-lasting flowers range from purple to lavender in color. There is a a lot of variation in flower color. Flowers of Laelia autumnalis are waxy and of good substance.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter

Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia autumnalis is another popular Mexican Laelia that is frequently grown outdoors in Southern California. It prefers the same temperature range as Laelia anceps and Cymbidiums but readily adapts to greenhouse culture if it has cooler night temperatures. Does well mounted or in a pot with coarse growing media and excellent drainage. The plants require high light and cooler night temperatures (especially in the winter) in order to be successful in cultivation. Overwatering is the most common problem; reduce watering during the winter dormant period.

Synonyms: Amalia autumnalis; Bletia autumnalis; Cattleya autumnalis; Laelia autumnalis f. atrorubens; Laelia autumnalis f. xanthotrophis; Laelia autumnalis var. atrorubens; Laelia autumnalis var. venusta; Laelia autumnalis var. xanthotrophis; Laelia venusta

Laelia anceps

Laelia anceps

Native to: Laelia anceps is native to eastern Mexico and rarely in Honduras and Guatemala and grows from 500 to 1500 meters in elevation in mixed pine-oak forest and coffee plantations.

Plant Size: Medium. Oval pseudobulbs of Laelia anceps are topped with one thick, long, leathery dark green leaf. It is a vigorous grower and creates impressive specimens with time. The growing season is April through November.
Flower Size: 2 1/2 to 4 inches (6.25-10 cm)
Flower Description: Fragrant. The star-shaped flowers of Laelia anceps are long lasting. Three to six flowers grow at the end of a 2 to 4 foot (60-120 cm) long arching flower stem. Flower color ranges from lavender to pink and white. There are "blue" forms available. Was the flower buds during formation to prevent them from sticking together.
Bloom Season: Fall, Winter. Some plants bloom at Christmas time.
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm. Laelia anceps needs cool night temperatures in winter. Tolerates temperatures down to 32 F (0 C).
Additional Information: Great for the beginner. Laelia anceps is a widely collected, easy-to-grow species from Mexico. Its ability to tolerate a wide variety of growing extremes and attractive flowers has made it popular with collectors. California orchid collectors even grow Laelia anceps outdoors in frost-free areas along with Cymbidiums.
Plants tolerate extremes of heat and cold. Plants grow well mounted on tree logs or cork plaques or in pots with a coarse, open media. Provide bright light (2000-3500 foot-candles) and good air circulation year-round. Increase shade and humidity during extreme heat (temperatures near 100 F). Keep on the dry side during the winter dormancy period. Repot when the potting media breaks down or the plant grows over the edge of the pot. The best time to do this is after flowering in the spring before new roots begin to grow.
In subtropical areas, Laelia anceps can be naturalized on trees in the garden. Oaks, jacarada, palms, citrus, fiejoa, dracinias, and white birch are good choices. Avoid mounting on pine trees. Plants should be tied or stapled to trunks and branches. Water mounted plants daily during spring through fall.
There are several forms of Laelia anceps available. All have the same long, graceful flower spike with attractively colored flowers. There are alba (white), semi-albas (white with a pink lip), striped (var. striata), and blue (var. veitchiana) forms. Some California nurseries specialize in this species.
Synonyms: Amalia anceps; Amalias anceps; Bletia anceps; Cattleya anceps; Laelia barkeriana