Laelia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Central America, Brazil, Guatemala.

Description. Laelia is a small evergreen orchid. The genus contains about 60 plant species, including both epiphytic and terrestrial ones. The pseudobulbs are oblong, club-shaped, with green, belt-shaped leaves up to 20 centimeters long emerging from the apex of each. During the flowering period, a peduncle bearing from 3 to 7 fragrant, bright flowers rises from the top of the pseudobulb. The most common shades are pink, lilac, and white, but yellow and orange may also be present. Many varieties produce buds of two different shades, the diameter of which can reach 10 centimeters.

Height. Miniature varieties can measure only a few centimeters in height, while some orchids reach 50 centimeters.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The optimal temperature range is from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the bush will feel better if it is provided with a difference between night and day temperatures. The night temperature should be about 5 degrees lower than the daytime temperature, for example, from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius. During the dormant period, the plants are kept in a cool place at a temperature no higher than 15 degrees Celsius. Laelia tolerates higher temperatures provided there is adequate watering and air humidity, as well as shading from the scorching rays of the sun.

Lighting

To bloom profusely, laelias need to be given enough light, including direct sunlight in the morning or evening. During spring and summer days, this delicate orchid needs shade. The shade of the leaves will indicate a lack or excess of lighting. 

Care

Laelias are similar in keeping conditions to cattleyas - they love a brightly lit location with shade during hot daytime hours.

Substrate

Representatives of this species take well to pot culture; they can be grown both on special blocks for orchids, and in soil made of sphagnum, pine bark, fern fibers with the addition of a small amount of charcoal and perlite to improve drainage.

Feeding

From April to November - during this time, laelias have a period of active growth; these plants need regular fertilizing with fertilizers specially designed for orchids, and the fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose, since a too concentrated solution can burn the roots of the plants.

Purpose

The bush looks great in hanging baskets; cut flowers stay fresh for a long time.

Flowering time

Depends on the specific variety of orchids. Usually flowering is very long and can last up to 1.5 months. 

Air humidity

Like the vast majority of orchids, laelias need high air humidity. To humidify dry air in heated rooms, use a room humidifier, surround the pot with a layer of wet sphagnum or place it on a tray of water covered with a grate. At the same time as increasing the humidity, it is also necessary to ensure good air movement and faster evaporation of water from the surface of the leaves.

Watering

In spring and summer, keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Excess water that appears in the pan after watering must be removed. For irrigation, it is advisable to use softened bottled or distilled water at room temperature. In autumn, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced, as the laelia goes into a dormant state. In winter, watering can be replaced by spraying. 

Transfer

The need for replanting arises when the soil decomposes or the pot becomes too small, and the tips of the roots protrude to the surface of the substrate. Adult specimens are replanted approximately every 2-3 years. Replanting is carried out at the beginning of new growth or after flowering.

Reproduction

Large plants are divided into several small ones when transplanted.

Pests and diseases

Plants can rot if they are kept in insufficiently drained soil or the room in which orchids grow is not ventilated.

The main flower pests are mealybugs.