Laelia rubescens Photographs

Photograph of Laelia rubescens.
Pale lavender flowers bloom on compact plants.
Photo by orchidgalore.

Laelia rubescens is one of my favorite species of Laelia from Mexico.  The pale lavender flowers are charming.  Grow in baskets or mount on cork bark to make stunning specimens.

See the blog post on Laelia rubescens for more information on the species description and orchid species cultural information.

Laelia pururata (syn. Cattleya purpurata) pictures

Laelia purpurata (now known as Cattleya purpurata) is one of the most spectacular orchid species.  It flowers in the late spring or early summer and bears many colorful flowers.

Laelia purpurata plant in full bloom.
Image by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis

This well-grown plant looks like it is about 30 inches tall.  Each pseudobulb produces several flowers.  Laelia purpurata has several different colorful forms.

Typical flower color and form of
Laelia purpurata (Syn. Cattleya purpurata).
Image by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis.

This is the typical form of Laelia purpurata.  The petals and sepals are white tinged with rose or purple with a darker purple lip.

Laelia purpurata v. Werckhauseri...the blue Laelia.
Image by orchidgalore.

Blue orchid lovers really like Laelia purpurata v. Werckhauseri. The petals are white stained with a hint of coreulea blue.  This variety is used as a parent in blue orchid hybrids.

Cattleya purpurata var. carnea showing
the delicate veins in the pink lip.
Image by orchidgalore.

Laelia purpurata v. carnea has almost pure white flowers with a pink lip.  It is easy to see why there are some orchid collectors who specialize in collecting different varieties of this species.

Laelia purpurata venosa 'Bella'.
Image by orchidgalore.

One last variety for today.  This is a named variety of Laelia purpurata named Laelia purpurata venosa "Bella".  Note the fine striations throughout the petals, sepals, and lip.

Laelia purpurata is easy to grow in typical Cattleya orchid growing conditions. For more information, please read the article on Laelia purpurata.

Laelia reginae

Laelia reginae

Laelia mixta

Laelia mixta

Laelia speciosa

Laelia speciosa

Native to:  Mexico

Laelia xanthina

Laelia xanthina

Native to: Brazil.

Plant Size: Medium. The ribbed pseudobulbs of Laelia xanthina have one erect, blue-green oblong leaf. It looks like a small unifoliate Cattleya.

Flower Size: 2 1/2 inches to 3 1/2 inches (6-9 cm)

Flower Description: Two to six fragrant, waxy flowers grow on a 9 inch inflorescence and emerge from a lime green sheath. The flowers of Laelia xanthina have moderately wide segments and tend not to open completely. The lip is white with purple and yellow markings.

Bloom Season: Spring, Early Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia xanthina is closely related to Laelia purpurata and has been used by breeders to bring yellow to Cattleya hybrids. The plant resembles a unifoliate Cattleya in many respects. Grow in an open basket or shallow slatted pot with a very coarse growing medium to provide good drainage. It is a robust grower and requires a lot of water and fertilizer during active growth. Provide strong sunlight and a drier period during the winter.

Synonyms: Bletia flabellata; Bletia xanthina; Laelia wetmorei; Sophronitis xanthina

Laelia virens

Laelia virens

Native to: Brazil. Laelia virens grows on trees in its native habitat.

Plant Size: Compact growing. Laelia virens produces 4 to 6 inch pseudobulbs with a single, erect leaf about the same length as the pseudobulb.

Flower Size: Small to Medium

Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia virens are green with a pale green or white lip. Flowers do not fully open.

Bloom Season: Summer to Fall

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm. Laelia virens prefer warmer temperatures.

Additional Information: Laelia virens is grown primarily as a curiosity. The flowers are not very attractive compared to other members of the genus.

Keep the plants moist and do not them dry out excessively between waterings. Two to three times a week during the summer and once or twice a week during the winter is adequate. Plants grown in three inch pots are considered to be blooming size.

Synonyms: Laelia johniana; Laelia goebeliana; Sophronitis virens

Laelia tenebrosa

Laelia tenebrosa

Native to: Brazil. Laelia tenebrosa is found growing in the coastal state of Esprito Santo in forests on tree trunks and branches. It is rare and near extinction in its native habitat.

Plant Size: Medium to Large. The slightly compressed pseudobulbs of Laelia tenebrosa reach about 12 inches in height and have a single leathery leaf that reaches about one foot long. Overall, the plant is similar in size and form to Laelia purpurata or a unifoliate Cattleya.

Flower Size: Large. 6 1/2 inches (16 cm).

Flower Description: Fragrant. Except for the color, it is similar to Laelia purpurata. The petals range from a dull olive-green to a dull yellow. In the best cultivated specimens, the color approaches copper or bronze. One source describes the flower as the color of raw silk. The lip is tubular and purple in color. The throat is darker than the wavy front part of the lip. Flowers emerge from a green sheath and there are usually three or four at a time. Unfortunately, the flowers are short-lived.
Bloom Season: Spring, Summer (June to August).

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia tenebrosa is quite showy with striking flowers and is closely related to Laelia purpurata and Laelia xanthina. The plant and flowers show a close affinity to several of the unifoliate Cattleya species.
There are several awarded clones available for purchase. This species has been extensively used to create yellow and art shade Cattleya hybrids.

Laelia tenebrosa is quite vigorous and easy to grow for the average hobbyist. Grow under intermediate temperature conditions. Water heavily during the period of active growth (usually early autumn to midwinter in the U.S.). Keep on the dry side after flowering until new growth begins again. This species need a little less light than unifoliate Cattleyas.

Synonyms: Hadrolaelia tenebrosa; Laelia grandis var. tenebrosa; Sophronitis tenebrosa

Laelia superbiens

Laelia superbiens

Native to: Mexico and Central America. Laelia superbiens is found growing on trees in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. Some sources have also identified this species as growing in Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Plant Size: Large. The tall, slender pseudobulbs of Laelia superbiens have two or three long, narrow leaves.

Flower Size: Large. 5 inches (12.5 cm)

Flower Description: Usually, there are 7-12 long-lasting flowers per stem on Laelia superbiens. The flower form reminds me of a spider. The petals are crisped or ruffled. The flower color ranges from rose-pink to lavander or lilac. The petals and sepals are rather narrow. The lip is ruffled and is darker than the petals. The throat is lighter and has many attractive markings. There is a cluster of large, fragrant flowers that bloom near the end of a 1 meter inflorescence.

Bloom Season: Late Fall, Early Winter

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia superbiens has the potential to grow into a massive, attractive specimen that is sure to wow your friends when it is in bloom. For best results, grow under cool growing conditions with a great deal of air circulation. Provide a large pot with an open organic media (i.e. coarse fir bark). Easy to grow.

This species has large flowers for a Mexican Laelia. There is a white color form available (Laelia superbiens var. alba).

Synonyms: Amalia superbiens; Bletia superbiens; Cattleya superbiens; Laelia superbiens

Laelia sincorana

Laelia sincorana

Native to: Brazil. Laelia sincorana is found in the state of Bahia where it grows on the trunks of Vellozia shrubs in rather exposed conditions. Most of the moisture comes from fog and condensation since rainfall is infrequent. It grows at 4000 feet (1100-1500 m) of elevation in the Serra da Sincora.

Plant Size: Dwarf. Laelia sincorana has short, laterally compressed pseudobulbs that have one stiff, leathery ovate leaf. Foliage color is dark green.

Flower Size: 4 inches (10 cm). Small to Medium.

Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia sincorana are attractive, well-formed and brightly colored. Rose-pink to purple is the typical color with darker veins. The lip is dark purple with a lighter throat with purple veins and markings. The 6 cm inflorescence produces between 1 and 4 flowers on the new growth. There are blue and alba forms available.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia sincorana is adaptable and easy to grow if its needs are met. It prefers intermediate temperature conditions like the majority of Cattleyas and hybrids. Grow in an inorganic medium that drains well (i.e. lava rock or Aliflor). Mounts or rafts are also suitable. The roots need to dry fairly quickly after watering to prevent root rot. Provide a very dry winter rest.

This species was originally discovered in 1908 by Ernst Ule but lost to science until it was rediscovered in the mid 20th century.

Synonyms: Cattleya grosvenori; Hadrolaelia sincorana; Sophronitis sincorana

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

Laelia purpurata

Laelia purpurata

Native to: Brazil. Laelia purpurata grows high in the tree canopy where it is exposed to bright light and lots of good air circulation. Native to the regions of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

Plant Size: Medium to large-sized plant resembles unifoliate Cattleya plants. The tall pseudobulbs of Laelia purpurata have one leathery leaf. Overall plant height can exceed 2 feet (60 cm). Flowers develop in a green sheath on the new growth. Leaves are medium to dark green in color.

Flower Size: 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm). This species has the largest flower of all the Laelias.

Flower Description: Very showy, fragrant, and long-lasting. Flowers of Laelia purpurata develop on a 12 to 15 inch long raceme and have between 3 to 7 flowers. The individual flowers are well-spaced and make an attractive display. The typical form has white petals and sepals and a purple lip. There is a great deal of color variation in the species. There are concolor lavender, semi-alba, white, vinicolor, delicata, flared and blue color forms of Laelia purpurata with a variety of markings and striping within the lip. There are many named varieties available.

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Fall

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm. Grows well with unifoliate Cattleya species and hybrids.

Additional Information: Laelia purpurata is the most popular of all Laelias and has been used by breeders to make some of the most beautiful Cattleya hybrids.  In Brazil, there are collectors who specialize in this species and shows dedicated to the "Queen" of the Laelias. It is the national flower of Brazil.

Many different color forms exist (this is a partial list):

• Laelia purpurata tipo - Typical form

• Laelia purpurata var. alba - White petals and sepals with a yellow throat.  Laelia purpurata var. alba ‘Marcia Richter’ is a particularly fine cultivar. 
• Laelia purpurata var. carnea - Pale pink petals and sepals with a darker red-pink lip

• Laelia purpurata var. rosea - Rose pink flowers with darker lip
• Laelia purpurata var. russeliana - Medium pink petals and sepals with a dark pink lip
• Laelia purpurata var. sanguinea - Flowers are the color of red wine and have dark purple lips.
• Laelia purpurata var. semi-alba - Pure white petals and sepals with a colored lip.
• Laelia purpurata var. werkhauseri - Flowers have white petals and sepals and a blue.

Laelia purpurata is easy to grow and not particularly fussy in cultivation. Grow in pots or baskets with fir bark or lava rock or any other suitable well-drained orchid growing medium. Some growers prefer to use clay pots rather than plastic.

Synonyms: Amalia purpurea; Bletia casperiana; Bletia purpurata; Cattleya brysiana; Cattleya casperiana; Cattleya purpurata; Hadrolaelia purpurata; Laelia casperiana; Laelia russelliana; Laelia wyattiana; Sophronitis purpurata


More Posts on Laelia purpurata:

• Selected Laelia purpurata color varieties and pictures

Laelia pumila

Laelia pumila

Native to: Laelia pumila is found growing in humid gallery forests along rivers in the state of Minas Gerais. Grows on trees in the lower portion of the canopy in moderate light. It is found between 600 to 1300 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Small. The plants of Laelia pumila are short and rarely grow more than 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Each pseudobulb has one erect broad leaf. Flower buds are formed inside the new leaf and do not have a protective sheath.

Flower Size: 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm). Flowers seem large in proportion to the size of the plant.

Flower Description: Fragrant and long-lived. Flowers of Laelia pumila are well-shaped and very flat. The color is generally a uniform magenta with a darker purple lip. The throat is a lighter shade of magenta. Each new growth bears one or two flowers.

Bloom Season: Fall (October)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm (adaptable)

Additional Information: Laelia pumila is closely related to Laelia praestans and Laelia dayana. There are several color forms available including a blue form (var. coerulea) and a pale pink form (var. delicata).
Laelia pumila is easy to grow and has been used to create some exquisite compact hybrids. Grow mounted on tree fern or cork or in a basket with excellent drainage. Need bright light and humidity. Ample water during active growth and a dry winter rest are required for reliable flower production. It grows quickly to form remarkable specimens.

Synonyms: Bletia pumila; Cattleya marginata; Cattleya pinelii; Cattleya pinelii var marginata; Cattleya pumila; Hadrolaelia pumila; Laelia praestans var. noblis; Sophronitis pumila

Laelia praestans

Laelia praestans

Native to: Brazil. Laelia praestans is found growing on southeast facing mountain slopes where there is high humidity and good air circulation between 600 and 1000 meters on trees. It is found in the state of Minas Gerais.

Plant Size: Small. Laelia praestans rarely grows more than 5 inches tall. Pseudobulbs are thin and spindle-shaped. The single leaf is leathery and rounded at the tip. The flower buds are protected by the new leaf as it emerges. Usually, there are one or two flowers on each new growth on mature plants. flower stems are about 4 inches (10 cm) long.

Flower Size: 3 to 4 1/2 inches (8-10 cm)

Flower Description: The petals and sepals of Laelia praestans are broader than most others in the genus and create attractive flowers. The lip is distinctively trumpet-shaped. The typical color is a soft rose-lavender with a darker lip. There are coerulea forms, too.

Bloom Season: Fall

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia praestans is somewhat rare and seldom seen in collections. For best results, grow with a little lower light and keep moist. Grow in a cool spot in the cattleya house. This species likes higher humidity and good air circulation. Easy to grow.

Synonyms: Bletia praestans; Cattleya pumila var major; Cattleya spectabilis; Hadrolaelia praestans; Laelia praestans; Laelia pumila ssps praestans; Laelia pumila var mirabilis; Laelia pumila var praestans; Sophronitis praestans

Laelia perrinii

Laelia perrinii

Native to: Brazil. Laelia perrinii is common in the coastal rain forests of Espirito Sactu and Rio de Janiero where it grows on trees and cliff faces between 1200 and 3000 feet. Laelia perrinii is found growing in the Serra do Mar and in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains.

Plant Size: Medium. Laelia perrinii resembles a unifoliate Cattleya. Compressed, oblong pseudobulbs can grow to 10 inches in height and have one oblong leathery leaf with a rounded tip. Foliage is green, but the new growth is unusually bronze-colored.

Flower Size: 5 inches (12.5 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Laelia perrinii has star-shaped flowers with a colored lip. The petals are broad towards the tips and flat. The lip is small in proportion to the other floral segments and has a distinctive white throat. Flower color is lavender-purple with a crimson-purple blotch on the midlobe. The flower spike produces 2 to 6 flowers on a 10 inch spike.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Grow like a cattleya. Laelia perrinii needs bright white, especially in the winter. Some growers hang the Laelia perrinii close to the glass to meet its hunger for foot candles. Water and fertilize heavily while in active growth. Less water is required during the cooler months. Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal problems and keep the foliage cool. Grow in an open, organic growing medium that is suitable for cattleyas and repot infrequently.
Laelia perrinii is closely related to Laelia purpurata, Laelia lobata and Laelia tenebrosa. There are semi-alba (white with colored lip) and blue forms (var. coerulea) available.

Synonyms: Amalia perrinii; Bletia perrinii; Cattleya intermedia var angustifolia; Cattleya integerrima var angustifolia; Cattleya perrinii; Hadrolaelia perrinii; Sophronitis perrinii

Laelia lundii

Laelia lundii

Native to: Brazil. Laelia lundii grows on rocks or bush trunks above 1000 meters on the coastal mountains.

Plant Size: Small. The narrow, oblong and compressed pseudobulbs of Laelia lundii are short and have two to three fleshy leaves on top. The leaves are almoste cylindrical but have a deep channel on the upper surface.

Flower Size: 1 1/2 inches (3-4 cm)

Flower Description: Laelia lundii has small white star-shaped flowers with a purple lip. Two flowers develop on a short raceme on the new growth as it matures.

Bloom Season: Mid-Winter, Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Laelia lundii is attractive and can become a small specimen plant with age. Grow like other rupicolous Laelia species in an inorganic growing media. Some growers recommend a basket to accomodate its rambling growth habit and provide excellent drainage. Bright light and good air circulation are a must.

Easy to identify; this is the only Laelia from Brazil that has more than one leaf.

Synonyms: Bletia lundii; Laelia lundii var. alba; Laelia regnelii; Laelia reichenbachiana; Microlaelia lundii; Sophronitis lundii

Laelia longipes

Laelia longipes

Native to: Brazil. Rupicolous. Laelia longipes is native to mountains above 1300 meters east of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais.

Plant Size: Small. The miniture plants of Laelia longipes have compact 2-4 cm pseudobulbs that have a single 3-5 cm erect leaf. New growths are produced close to the last growth making the plant compact.

Flower Size: 2 1/4 inches (5 cn)

Flower Description: Small, brightly colored flowers of Laelia longipes range from pink to rose-lavender. the lip is darker than the petals and has a yellow or golden yellow throat. The flower spike is short and barely extends beyond the foliage and bears two to four flowers.

Bloom Season: Summer, Fall

Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate

Additional Information: This compact species is attractive and can become an impressive (if small) specimen plant with age. Grow Laelia longipes like other rupicolous laelias in an inorganic potting mix. Provide a dry winter rest.

Synonyms: Bletia longipes; Hoffmannseggella longipes; Sophronitis longipes

Laelia lobata

Laelia lobata

Native to: Brazil. The few remaining wild plants of Laelia lobata grow on the surface of rocky cliffs facing the ocean near Rio de Janeiro.

Plant Size: Standard Cattleya size. Laelia lobata has cylindrical pseudobulbs that grows from a creeping rhizome. The plant has one long, leathery leaf that is held erect. The 16 inch flower spike produces 2 to 5 flowers.

Flower Size: 5 inches. (12.5 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Cattleya-like flowers. The typical color form of Laelia lobata is lavender-purple with a dark amythyst lip with a yellow throat. The petals are broad and wavy.

Bloom Season: Spring or early summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot

Additional Information: Laelia lobata is endangered in the wild and all importation has been banned under CITES. Fortunately, the species is flourishing in private collections and can be purchased from orchid dealers.
Provide bright light with good air circulation. Water and fertilize heavily during the active growth. Provide less water during cooler months of the year. It has a reputation as a shy bloomer and prefers to be pot bound. Easy to grow and robust.

There is a white form available know as Laelia lobata var. alba. Several hybrids have used this species as one of the parents.

Synonyms: Bletia boothiana; Bletia lobata; Cattleya lobata; Hadrolaelia lobata; Laelia boothiana; Laelia grandis var purpurea; Laelia riveri; Laelia virens; Sophronitis lobata