Rupiculous Laelias don't actually grow on the surface of rocks, at least not until they are well-established. They send their roots down into cracks, where there is moisture, shade, and organic matter. (If the plant gets big enough, it may spread some roots onto the surface of the rocks but that's not where the primary "action" happens) To mimic their environment, what I do is to put a layer of small gravel in the bottom of the pot (I prefer terracotta), then a few strands of sphagnum, a thin layer of high-organic potting soil such as African Violet mi(the sphagnum keeps the soil from washing out), add the plant, then top it all off with more gravel. This creates a very well-drained environment with just a bit of moisture-retaining ability and organic matter. The terracotta also lets water evaporate, cooling the roots. It can grow very bright - those vertical-pointing leaves permit to to shrug off intense light. It should do well with the L. dayana.
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Anyone have experience with Laelia Lilliputiana?
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