The Laelia that started it all.......

[peeweelovesbooks]

This is the first Laelia anceps that I ever purchased. I bought it from Cal-Orchid back in 2009. This was the plant that started my obsession with Laelias, and Laelia anceps specifically. This year, it produced 2 spikes, but I was negligent and a snail ate the buds on the second spike. The blooms have a slight cherry scent, which surprises me every time. Photo taken on October 22, 2011.

In this photo, you can get an idea of the length of the spike in relation to the size of the plant itself. No need to support it.




What follows is a picture of each one of the blooms:





And, finally, a close up picture of the super awesome lips:

[WhiteRabbit]

beautiful!

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Lovely!

[tucker85]

Beautiful and elegant! Good growing.

[Junebug]

Great job, Maria!!! The plant looks super healthy and the blooms are beautiful.

[isurus79]

Great looking bloom!

[Bolero]

Lovely, no wonder it started 'it all' for you.

[InspirChid1712]

Great job Maria! I have been thinking about purchasing one of these... are they easy?

PS- The Stanhopea radiosa you sent me a while back has gotten HUGE!!! No blooms yet, but it grows and grows and GROWS...!!!!

[Cattleya17]

Stunning!!!!!!!