Laelia is a genus of orchids with 24 accepted species, mainly native to Brazil and Mexico. These orchids are famous among cultivators for their flowers, which exhibit a wide variety of colors and forms.
In the past, several other Brazilian species were also considered Laelias, but gradually, their classification changed to the genus Cattleya.
Continue reading this article to learn about the history, characteristics, and how to care for Laelia orchids.
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An Interesting History
Laelia orchids have an interesting history regarding their classification.
Previously, the genera Cattleya, Laelia, and Sophronitis were considered related genera, meaning hybridization between species was possible.
However, recent genetic research revealed that some orchids classified as Laelia should actually be classified as Cattleyas.
As a result, a significant portion of native Laelias from Brazil are now considered Cattleyas.
Additionally, several plants previously known as Laeliocattleya have also been moved to the Cattleya genus.
Now, let’s learn more about the characteristics of these orchids.
Characteristics
They are primarily native to Mexico but also appear in several other countries, including:
- Brazil
- Caribbean
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Among others
Regarding their flowers, they are usually very colorful, typically having a shade of pink.
They are usually epiphytic or lithophytic orchids, and their growth is mostly sympodial.
Regarding their cultivation, we will cover it in detail below.
How to Care for Laelia Orchids
Laelia orchids can be considered easy to cultivate, and beginners usually won’t have much difficulty growing them.
Below are the main factors you should be concerned about:
1 – Temperature
They prefer moderate temperatures, around 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F) in the morning.
During the night, to stimulate flowering, a drop of 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F) is ideal.
Generally, Laelias prefer slightly warmer temperatures than cymbidiums.
2 – Lighting
They don’t like direct light; typically, all you need to do is mimic the lighting used for cattleyas.
But essentially, avoid direct sunlight, and always check your orchids’ leaves; if they are darker, they need more light, and if they are lighter, they are getting too much light.
A tip is to try to find out where your orchid is natural to.
In this way, the only work you’ll have is to try to mimic the temperature of your orchid’s natural habitat.
3 – Fertilization
Now let’s talk a bit more about fertilizing Laelias.
They don’t need much fertilizer; usually, a quarter-strength fertilizer during the growing season will help your orchid.
And during winter, do not fertilize.
4 – Humidity
Humidity is something I can’t indicate to you.
But observe your plant’s natural habitat; typically, the higher the altitude it lives in, the lower the humidity and temperature will be.
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Species List
Below are the 24 species currently cataloged as belonging to the Laelia genus (source).
- Laelia albida Bateman ex Lindl.
- Laelia anceps Lindl.
- Laelia aurea A.V.Navarro
- Laelia autumnalis (Lex.) Lindl.
- Laelia colombiana J.M.H.Shaw
- Laelia crawshayana Rchb.f.
- Laelia elata (Schltr.) J.M.H.Shaw
- Laelia eyermaniana Rchb.f.
- Laelia furfuracea Lindl.
- Laelia gloriosa (Rchb.f.) L.O.Williams
- Laelia gouldiana Rchb.f.
- Laelia heidii (Carnevali) Van den Berg & M.W.Chase
- Laelia lueddemanii (Prill.) L.O.Williams
- Laelia lyonsii (Lindl.) L.O.Williams
- Laelia marginata (Lindl.) L.O.Williams
- Laelia moyobambae (Schltr.) C.Schweinf.
- Laelia rosea (Linden ex Lindl.) C.Schweinf.
- Laelia rubescens Lindl.
- Laelia schultzei (Schltr.) J.M.H.Shaw
- Laelia speciosa (Kunth) Schltr.
- Laelia splendida (Schltr.) L.O.Williams
- Laelia superbiens Lindl.
- Laelia undulata (Lindl.) L.O.Williams
- Laelia weberbaueriana (Kraenzl.) C.Schweinf.
Conclusion
Laelia orchids are a slightly less-known genus to the public, but nevertheless, they are incredible orchids.
If you want to learn more about cultivating orchids, I recommend checking out some of the articles below:
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