Laelia sincorana culture question

[Jeff214]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone grows Laelia sincorana and have any advice on its culture. IOSPE has it listed as a cool grower and needing a very dry rest.

I have it potted in large bark and growing indoors with intermediate temps. Previously, the new growth rotted when I watered it. Since, I've been keeping it pretty dry and two new growths have started again. I'm not sure if I should increase watering or keep it pretty dry even in growth.

Also it seems to be extremely slow growing... not sure if it's because it's unhappy with my growing conditions. I guess things from drier environments may be more slow growing?

I guess sincorana is pretty different from praestans and alaorii? Those I can never seem to water enough!

[estación seca]

Here is a habitat description.

When Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids spoke to our Society in 2017 he had this to say:

Laeilia sincorana does better on a mount.

[Roberta]

If mounted, you don't need to worry so much about "dry rest" - it will dry quickly. (I take my cue from what I learned in wandering in Andy's Orchids shadehouses, nothing gets a dry winter and everything blooms. They do experience cold. And nearly everything is mounted) In habitat, during the dry season it still gets humidity and morning dew. California "dry" is much drier than what it experiences in Brazil. (Same for other orchids from monsoonal climates) What it does get is significant cooling in winter, so constant indoor temperatures will tend to inhibit blooming. I also recall from a talk, I don't recall for certain the speaker, that these tend to grow on the underside of branches. So it should get less light than most other Catt species that are from similar habitats. (I don't recall which talk, I attend a lot of orchid societies over the years, but I do recall promptly moving my plant after hearing the talk)

[Jeff214]

Thanks, I've been hesitant to grow it mounted since the other hadrolaelias seem to want alot of water. hmm... if these new growths rot again, I'll mount it.

[Roberta]

Note that L. sincorana has really succulent leaves (compared to the other Hadrolaelias) . So that says to me that it grows in a climate that is at least seasonally on the dry side.

[avian]

Is L. sincorana considered to be a slow grower? I am considering purchasing one. Description on Orchidweb states that it is a notoriously slow grower.

[Roberta]

It's a small plant even when mature. I don't know if it is slower than others in its group... most Catts are pretty slow. Orchids teach patience.

[avian]

I was told that its growth rate is comparable to L. anceps.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by avian

I was told that its growth rate is comparable to L. anceps.

To me, that is pretty average. I certainly would not consider L. anceps slow. Maybe slower than a hybrid Catt but everything is relative. Maybe in Minnesota in a greenhouse these are slower than they are in southern California outdoors.

[Jeff214]

I don't think anceps is particularly slower than other catts... but my sincorana certainly is. It probably isnt receiving optimal care so difficult to compare.