Laelia caulescens

Laelia caulescens

Native to: Brazil. Laelia caulescens is found in the state of Minas Gerais near Belo Horizonte. It is extremely common in its native habitat where it grows on rocky ledges between 600-1200 meters in elevation. Laelia caulescens grows amongst open vegetation exposed to high light. The constant breeze helps keep the foliage cool and the roots are protected by lichens and some soil. Rupicolous.

Plant Size: Medium. Laelia caulescens grows from 8-20 cm tall. Pseudobulbs are larger at the base and grow 3-8 cm high. The recurved leathery leaf grows 6-12 cm long. The flower stalk is much taller than the leaves.

Flower Size: 1 1/2 inches (4-5 cm)

Flower Description: Flowers of Laelia caulescens are lavender, purple, violet or pink in color although white and one coerulea form exist. There are 3 to 6 flowers per spike.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia caulescens is one of the most common rupicolous laelias in the wild and adapts well to cultivation. Grow in an inorganic growing medium in clay pots. Grow like other rupicolous laelias.

Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella caulescens; Sophronitis caulescens

Laelia briegeri

Laelia briegeri

Native to: Brazil. Found in the states of Minas Gerais above 1100 meters in the area of Serro and Lapinnae Cabeca do Bernando.

Plant Size: Medium. Plants grow 17-20 cm tall. The leaves are channeled and held upright.

Flower Size: Small.

Flower Description: The flower color of Laelia briegeri ranges from creamy wight to dark yellow gold. The 27 cm flower spike bears 3 to 5 flowers clustered at the tip. Flowers are well displayed and stand high above the foliage. Petals and sepals are wider than most other rupicolous species and attractive. An alba form has been discovered in the wild.

Bloom Season: May-June

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia briegeri is naturally tetraploid with 80 chromosomes. Plants are robust and easy to grow. Grow like other rupicolous laelias.

Synonyms: none

Laelia brevicaulis

Laelia brevicaulis
Native to: Brazil.

Plant Size: Medium. Laelia brevicaulis plants have long, slender pseudobulbs that grow 6 to 9 inches (15-25 cm) tall and have narrow leaves. The plant is similar in appearance to Laelia harpophylla.

Flower Size: small

Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia brevicaulis are golden-yellow and star-shaped. The flower stem is shorter than the leaves. The lip has two prominent keels running down the center.
Bloom Season: Winter to spring (one month later than Laelia harpophylla).

Growing Temperature: Intermediate
Additional Information: Laelia brevicaulis was once classified as Laelia cowanii and Laelia harpophylla. It is possible that Laelia brevicaulis is extinct in the wild do to habitat destruction. The exact location of the species is not known and the plant was first described from cultivated specimens. Sometimes the species is referred to as the "pale yellow harpophylla". Grow this species like other rupicolous species. Use a well-drained inorganic potting media (Aliflor or Solite) and clay pots. Needs less light and little or no dormancy when compared to other rupicolous laelias.
Synonyms: Laelia cowanii

Laelia bradei

Laelia bradei

Native to: Brazil. Laelia bradei's distribution is limited to a few locations in the states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo above 1200 meters in elevation. It grows in rocky cracks between 1200 and 1300 meters in elevation. Francisco Mirando reports that they "are very commonly found on sand and gravel crystalline deposits that accumulate in depressions of the ledges, which then act as small "pools" during the rainy season. These dry out during the several months of seasonal drought, but there is always a bit of moisture available to the root systems and so the plants survive these long periods with no rain."

Plant Size: Miniature. The pseudobulbs of Laelia bradei grow 2-4 cm tall and almost as wide. Leaves are thick and fleshy and grow 3-4 cm long. Overall, the plant height rarely exceeds 6-8 cm. Leaves are cupped and dark green or reddish if exposed to very intense light. Flowers are held slightly above the foliage.

Flower Size: 3/4 to 1 inch (2-2.5cm)

Flower Description: The flower spike of Laelia bradei is 5-6 cm tall and bears up to 3 flowers. Flowers are pale butter yellow to rich chrome yellow. The petals are broad when compared to their length.

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Laelia bradei is the smallest of all Laelias. In 1973, it was named in honor of A.C. Brade who did a great deal of research on rupicolous laelias in Brazil. Grow Laelia bradei like other rupicolous species. Use a well-drained inorganic potting media (Aliflor or Solite) and clay pots. This species can be grown in a south-facing windowsill.

Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella bradei; Sophronitis bradei

Laelia blumenscheinii

Laelia blumenscheinii

Native to: Laelia blumenscheinii is native to Brazil and is found in the state of Espirito Santo.
Plant Size: Small. The pseudobulbs of Laelia blumenscheinii grow 12 to 15 cm tall and leaves grow to 17 cm long. Leaves have a rough texture. The overall plant color is dark green with a reddish flush.
Flower Size: 1 3/4 inches (4 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia blumenscheinii are an attractive citron yellow color with pale brown veins on the lip. The flower spike is tall, growing to 38 cm or more and has between 5 to 12 flowers clustered at the tip. Petals and sepals are pointed and slightly reflexed. An alba form of Laelia blumenscheinii has been discovered.
Bloom Season: January to February
Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Grow like other rupicolous laelias in an inorganic growing media in small clay pots. Provide bright light and average humidity.
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella blumenscheinii; Hoffmannseggella cardimii; Laelia cardimii; Sophronitis blumenscheinii

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 bahiensis

Laelia bahiensis

Native to: Brazil. Laelia bahiensis grows in the Sierra da Sincora Mountains in the state of Bahia and Sierra do Calabocaria and Sierra do Capa-Bode.
Plant Size: Miniature. The pseudobulbs of Laelia bahiensis grow 4-7 cm tall and are bulbous towards the base. A single leaf grows 6.5-8 cm tall and is 1.5-2 cm wide. Laelia bahiensis may increase in size when grown in lower light conditions than in its native habitat. Young growths are sometimes bifoliate, but mature plants have only one leaf. Foliage color is dark green with a reddish coloration on the underside of the leaf.
Flower Size: 1.25-1.5 inches
Flower Description: The flower stalk of Laelia bahiensis is tall and grows from 30-70 cm tall and has 4 to 12 flowers clustered at the top of the spike. Flowers open sequentially. Flower color is a deep yellow with red veining visible in some flowers.
Bloom Season: April to May
Growing Temperature: Intermediate
Additional Information: Culture is like other rupicolous laelias. Grow Laelia bahiensis in inorganic media (Aliflor or Solite) in clay pots. Provide bright light. Let dry between watering. It is beneficial to let the plants have a cool, dry rest during the winter. This species is closely related to Laelia endsfeldzii but has smaller pale yellow flowers and varies in other minor floral details.
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella bahiensis; Sophronitis bahiensis

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 angereri

Laelia angereri

Native to: Brazil. Laelia angereri is found in the Diamantina region in the northeast portion of the state of Minas Gerais. Rupicolous. Laelia angereri is found growing under shrubs and among grasses between 1000 meters and 1300 meters in elevation. Summers are hot; winters are cool and dry.
Plant Size: Medium (tall for a rupicolous laelia). The pseudobulbs of Laelia angereri grow 34-35 cm tall and are topped with 12 inch (30 cm) long erect, dark green leaf. When given proper light, the foliage has a reddish cast.
Flower Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Laelia angereri are brick-red to orange in color. The flowers talk grows 12 inches (30 cm) and has between 5 and 15 flowers grouped near the top. The petals and sepals are of medium width. Petals are blunt and sepals are pointed and sometimes have a whitish area at the base. Petals and sepal reflex like Laelia cinnabarina.
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Cool.
Additional Information: Laelia angereri was first described to science in 1971. This is a curious species that is not often seen in collections. Use inert growing media (Aliflor or Solite) mixed with shredded tree fern fiber for best results. Clay pots may be a better choice than plastic pots. Let dry between watering and mist the foliage for humidity. Needs high levels of light.
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella angereri; Sophronitis angereri

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

Laelia albida

Laelia albida

Native to: Mexico. Laelia albida common in the states of in the states of Sinaloa, Durango, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Puebla. Laelia albida grows high in the mountains in mixed oak-pine forests at elevations of 7000 to 8000 feet (2500-3000 meters). They usually grow on bark without the benefit of moss. There is a distinct cool season in the winter when the plants are dormant. Plants from the state of Oaxaca have the most diversity in flower size and color.

Plant Size: Medium. Pseudobulbs of Laelia albida are conical and wrinkle with age. Two to three dark green linear leaves grow from the top of the pseudobulb.


Flower Size: 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm). Plants of Laelia albida from the northwestern part of the habitat produce very short inflorescences that hardly extends beyond the leaves and the flowers are smaller than populations from other parts of the range.


Flower Description: Fragrant (like primrose or honey). White or white suffused with pink. There are splash petal forms available. There are three raised ridges on the lip that are yellow in color. The midlobe is rosy-purple. The flower stem of Laelia albida ranges from 15 inches to 24 inches in length and bears between 2 and 9 flowers. There are white, pink, salmon, and rose clones of Laelia albida available.

Bloom Season: Fall, Winter. The peak flowering season is between November and January.

Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm

Additional Information: Needs a bright, cool dormant period during the winter to thrive. Keep Laelia albida dry during the winter. Grows well mounted or in pot with coarse bark media. Needs excellent drainage. Hardy and temperature tolerant. It can be grown outside in frost-free areas like Southern California. Laelia albida will grow acceptably well in a Cattleya greenhouse if it can be kept on the cool side during the winter.

Laelia alaorii

Laelia alaorii

Native to: Brazil. Rare. Laelia alaorii is found in the State of Bahia where it grows in low mountain rain forests in southeastern Brazil.
Plant Size: Miniature. 3 to 4 inches (10 cm) high. The rhizome of Laelia alaorii creeps along and the pseudobulbs arch upwards. There is a single narrow dark green leaf.
Flower Size: 1 3/4 inches (4.35 cm)
Flower Description: Fragrant. Petals are broad and some clones do not fully open. The flower color ranges from white, light pink or lavender, and the lip may be yellow to cream. Each growth of Laelia alaorii produces only one flower.
Bloom Season: Blooms when a new growth matures which can be any time.
Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm
Additional Information: Laelia alaorii is uncommon in collections and was only described in the 1970s. Many people grow this species with ease. Provide bright light and average humidity and air circulation.
Synonyms: Hadrolaelia alaorii; Laelia alaorii f. dietliana; Sophronitis alaorii