Temperamental Laelia anceps

[Lars Kurth]

Hi verybody, I have a Laelia anceps Guerreroi which this year again looks as if it is not spiking. The bulbs had a nice developed sheath like every year, but it has dried out. Other plants from that group, such as Laelia Ancibarina, Laelia superbiens and friends flower regularly for me assuming the pseudobulbs form early enough in the year (late ones that grow through winter never do, probably because they dont get enough sun). Is there a particular trick to anceps?

My suspicion is maybe that it is very sensitive to change: I moved the plant to a different location in the greenhouse when I cleaned it and since then, the sheat has dried out.

[tucker85]

I would like to know the answer to your question also. I live in south Florida where most orchids grow like weeds but I've never had any success with Laelia anceps. I can't figure out why.

[silken]

I don't have one, but thought I would look on OrchidWiz since it includes complete Baker's culture sheets for species. It says light requirement of 3000 to 4000 fc is needed to grow properly and mature the PB's before the winter rest. A reddish tinge on the leaves indicates correct light.

It also needs quite a cool dry winter rest with days 67 to 69F and nights at 50 to 54F. In the habitat winter rainfall is reduced and it should be watered less after spikes form in the fall but enough to prevent PBs from shriveling. A dry winter rest is essential.

Not sure if that helps but hopefully.

It actually sounds like something that would like my greenhouse conditions! I've always wanted one, but they get quite tall don't they (or is that just if it blooms?)

[Lars Kurth]

I don't think light and watering is the issue: for example L superbiens requires similar conditions and I do get it to flower usually. The only time when I don't is on pseudobulbs which don't mature by autumn. However this can't be the case for anceps as this years bulbs were ready about 2 months back.

[msaar]

I grew L. anceps 'Irwins' and the guerrero form for a number of years, and I can't really tell you why, but 'Irwins' was a reliable bloomer while guerrero was a reluctant bloomer.

[Lars Kurth]

@msaar: thank you for that info. Maybe time to get a different anceps clone and give mine to somebody else.