Laelia purpurata

[isurus79]

1 Laelia purpurata 6-16-2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
2 Laelia purpurata 6-16-2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
3 Laelia purpurata 6-16-2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
4 Laelia purpurata 6-16-2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

This is a faithful bloomer for me that Ive had for some years now. Its gotten pretty big and will probably soon outgrow its 18-ish inch pot. I think there are 6 leads these year (?) and for some reason there is a very prominent pink blush in the petals that I don't remember from past years that my crappy camera didn't pick up. I think the weird weather (record cold May followed by record hot June) has something to do with the pink blush. Anyway, enjoy!

P.S. For size reference, I'm holding the plant in front of me in the first pic. I'm 6'1" tall and the pot with plant is covering my whole torso and half my head. This is a big 'un!

[snow]

wow! it,s a wonderfull plant and it,sBIG.
good growing Steve.

[Cookiemonster]

Wow amazing plant so healthy!
I can only dream to one day be growing orchids in hawaii
Great growing and keep sharing

[Zoi2]

OMG that's gorgeous!
Joann

[natasha]

wow! the flowers are sure worth to keep even the plant is so big! good growing!

[DebsC]

Spectacular!!!!!! I do love specimen and this sure is one! Gorgeous blooms! You have every right to be proud of her!

[RosieC]

Wonderful, and such a big plant

[InspirChid1712]

That is one of the most AMAZING orchids I have ever seen!!! I have always wanted to grow L. purpurata and you have convinced me to try! That shall be my next acquisition! How old is it???

[smweaver]

That monster is fantastic, Steve. If it's outgrowing its pot, perhaps you can take advantage of your locale and simply unpot it and attach it to a tree in your yard (or toss it out into the jungle and see what it does in a year or two :-). Very nicely done.

Steve

[SP2340]

Holy smokes, it's tearing that pot into peices!!