Laelia longipes X Sophronitis riograndensis

[JungleJo]

I call this plant the old-school names. It could be called a lot of things and who knows what's right, but let's forget that.

It's a 2021 purchase so first flower for me. It looks like it is the first time this plant flowers. I didn't expect anything this year actually, but here it is. More leads are coming that could flower during the winter, or not. I didn't even know it would flower as I simply saw a flower there today. I've placed it behind other plants to protect it a little bit, so it's not like I take a look at it often. It will be placed so I can see it every day now while it flowers.

The yellow in the lip looks like it comes from the riograndensis and the size of the flower must be from the longipes. The flower measures about 4x4cm and is difficult to photograph. It looks down and is not fully open. These shots come from my cell phone, but I will try to take out my real camera and put it on a tripod one of these days.

Hope you enjoy it. The true colour of it is very vivid and the photos don't show that. I did my best

[wisdomseeker]

Gorgeous! I think most Orchid Boarders' enjoy viewing a nice orchid flower> I also really like the foliage and structure of your plant.

Any personal growing "tips" that you would like to share (in regards to this one)?

[JungleJo]

Originally Posted by wisdomseeker

Gorgeous! I think most Orchid Boarders' enjoy viewing a nice orchid flower> I also really like the foliage and structure of your plant.

Any personal growing "tips" that you would like to share (in regards to this one)?

I grow it in rocks/carbon/sand mix, same as my rupicolous Laelias, but in a position where it is more protected from the sun. Many rupis can be grown in direct sun (caution!). I give it what I call bright shade, with less water than the riograndensis likes. The plant itself looks like a sophronitis, not so much a Laelia longipes. For comparison, I've attached photos of my longipes, my mounted riograndensis and also the culture.

I didn't know what to expect from this cross, but I like it. The shape is ok and hopefully it will straighten out, but the color is great.

[wisdomseeker]

Thanks for the information (and details).

It does appear to have more of a Sophronitis look.

A very nice cross, indeed!

Originally Posted by JungleJo

I call this plant the old-school names.

Old school = Good school
I'm glad you listed the "old school" names of this particular cross.