Rhyncholaelia glauca

Rhyncholaelia glauca

Common Name: Glaucous Beaked Laelia

Native to: Guatemala, Mexico. Rhyncholaelia glauca grows on trees in mountain forests from near sea level to 1500 meters. The original plants were discovered growing near Veracruz, Mexico.

Plant Size: Medium to short. The twisted, fleshy pseudobulbs grow about 12 inches (30 cm) tall and have one fleshy leaf on the top. Rhyncholaelia glauca resembles a small to medium sized unifoliate Cattleya. The pseudobulbs have dried sheaths protecting them from the sun.

Flower Size: 5 inches (12 cm)

Flower Description: The flower of Rhyncholaelia glauca has apple green petals and a white, heart-shaped lip. The margin of the lip is complete, not heavily fringed like Rhyncholaelia digbyana. Occasionally, some flowers will have a pink color. Flowers are very fragrant and have a sweet scent. Flowers have a heavy waxy substance and are long-lived. Flowers emerge from a new growth and have a 4 inch (10 cm) flower stem that produces one flower.

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Summer

Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: This plant grows best mounted on cork bark, tree fern plaques, or slatted baskets. Provide high light and good air circulation. The roots need to dry between watering. Few hybrids have been made using this species.

This species was thought to be a Cattleya species until it flowered when it was first imported to England.

Synonyms: Bletia glauca; Brassavola glauca; Laelia glauca