rupicolous Laelias - Orchid Board

britbloke · #1 07-07-2010, 10:57 PM

Can anyone give me any tips on growing rupicolous Laelias in SW Florida...

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 07-08-2010, 03:25 PM

Your question is actually a bit specific. You're actually requesting someone who currently or has once lived in Southwest Florida, to help you with the culture of rupicolous Laelias.

Since most of us here on the OB don't only live in SW FL, the wording of this question severely limits the responses you'll be getting.

The implication of the wording of your request being that if someone who lives in another part of the country with the experience of growing rupicolous Laelias gives you advice, it may not be what you're looking for.

Is this what you're really asking?

britbloke · #3 07-08-2010, 04:38 PM

Thank you Philip, I see your point...

What I was trying to ask, was, "how does anyone grow rupicolous Laelias". I added the reference to SW Florida as a qualifier, so that anyone responding, might take into account how their culture might be different than mine. (high temperatures, high humidy and daily summer rains).
I certainly wasn't trying to as specific as it appears I seemed...

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 07-08-2010, 07:53 PM

I think your climate sounds just about right. The only thing would be that I'd be careful of the summer rains. Rupicolous Laelias are lithophytes. Even if it rains, they don't get soaking wet. They can also tolerate high levels of light. They are often growing on rocky outcrops with short scrub in fairly exposed areas. There are photos of them growing in the wild.

peeweelovesbooks · #5 07-08-2010, 08:12 PM

I grow rupics in South Florida. Clay pots, hydroton or similar material (I've heard some people use gravel) LOTS of light, good drainange a must.

Nothing works as well.

I will warn you--rupicolous are FI.NI.CKY. You will become obssessed though.

britbloke · #6 07-08-2010, 08:36 PM

Thanks, that's very helpful..
I figured they'd stand high light, but wasn't so sure about the humidity.
I plan on planting in lava rock, would you choose, clay with lots of holes or small "Stanopea" type baskets? Will my warm nights (in summer, low to mid 70's) be an issue?

I did see L. millerii in Brazil years ago, growing in very exposed shrub in sandy/gravel, but was less aware of temperature range. Thanks,

britbloke · #7 07-08-2010, 08:40 PM

I've heard they are finicky, but they seem to me to be the most striking mini's of all. I once tried before in Michigan, but failed miserably, probably insufficient light.

peeweelovesbooks · #8 07-08-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbloke

Thanks, that's very helpful..
I figured they'd stand high light, but wasn't so sure about the humidity.
I plan on planting in lava rock, would you choose, clay with lots of holes or small "Stanopea" type baskets? Will my warm nights (in summer, low to mid 70's) be an issue?

I did see L. millerii in Brazil years ago, growing in very exposed shrub in sandy/gravel, but was less aware of temperature range. Thanks,

I would definitely choose small clay pots with great drainage.

No, I don't think so. The nights here are seldom lower in temperatures than the days.

I tried to grow them in plastic pots, but clay is really the way to go.

I agree with you--rupicolous are fascinating... you forget about the frustration of growing them when you see new growths or a root the size and width of pencil lead.

It's been my most challenging genera by far.

Becca · #9 07-08-2010, 10:58 PM

I have two, L. millerii and L. reginae. I grow them inside my orchidarium with intermediate temps, high humidity and high light.

The L. reginae came potted in crushed gravel, it didn't look like it was doing so well so I decided to give it a try in an epi-web basket and epi-web chunks for potting medium. It took right to it and has been doing well and has bloomed a few times.

The L. millerii is potted in a clay pot with LECA, I've had it since 2007 and for the first time it put out a spike this year, I think my warmer then normal temps helped it to bloom. I also keep it right under a misting nozzle to catch the drips since I forget to water it. It seems to be doing fine, matter of fact I am worried of it breaking it's pot soon due to the man new growths it is trying to squeeze in the pot. Guess I should repot the poor thing. I didn't get to enjoy the bloom, I barely bumped the spike and snapped it. Hopefully I won't have to wait another three years....lol. I've been able to bring my more then intermediate temps back to intermediate again, so I'll know next year if it doesn't bloom it must want warmer temps!

britbloke · #10 07-08-2010, 11:35 PM

Wow, how many of us have to worry about roots breaking pots... I love it!

Sorry to hear you lost a spike so easily...

I've never seen, never mind used Epi-web, is it a better choice than LECA?

I take it that lots of water and fast drying is good. How about winter care? Tony