how to differentiate between laelia and cattleya

[weederwoman]

I have a number of unlabeled orchids in my care. At least two of them could be laelia species (old tags in a box). There are also a number of unlabeled plants that are most likely catt species or hybrids. The only old label I have for these is for empress bells, a famous old girl. The first plant is getting ready to bloom. One stalk has a cluster of four buds, another a cluster of three. I know there must be ways to tell laelias from catts, but my search in the forum didn't bring anything up. Any help on general rules? And I will post photos when the blooms open. Thanks

[Bud]

Look up the plants and flower picture in the internet according to the names written on the tags...You just have to wait until your plants flowers and then compare with the pictures...
With just the plants, its hard to distinguish Laelia from Cattleya.
You have to look at the whole plant and its bloom to its entirety... then you can tell...

---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:02 PM ----------

I have just read the information from Camille:

http://www.manateeorchidsociety.com/...her%20Name.pdf

Laelias are now called Cattleyas

[msaar]

A large number of Laelias have been reclassified as Cattleyas, the most prominent is probably L. purpurata (now C. purpurata)
A number of Laelias remain, the most prominent L. anceps. Post photos when they bloom.

[Rinaldo Bradtfixe Ignacio]

In large Laelias (crispa, purpurata, lobata, dark) the tip of the leaves is more rounded. In cattleyas the tip of the leaves are more pointed. By the time you apart easily.
The Laelias rupículas are small but the other Laelias as crispas, purpurata and dark are huge. I have a laelia crispa to the base of the bulb to the tip sheet gives almost 90cm.
I hope I have helped

[weederwoman]

Thank you
That was the information that was on the tip of my mind but wouldn't come out. Are there any hints to help differentiate between species and hybrids in the catt alliance?

[msaar]

Before I give you an answer that may make you mad, what are the two Laelia labels in your box? Depending on the names, it may be possible to give you an answer without seeing the flowers.

Now that you've done that, the way to tell the difference between Cattleya species and hybrids is this: if they don't look like species, they are hybrids. That's really the only way to tell species from hybrids in any genus. And even if they look like species, they may not be.

[Bud]

Right, and look at as many pictures of the species for they might have variations in form and variations in hues...short compact or the long tall versions...I used to throw away tags...because they look nasty on pots in center pieces...but now I just bury then deep inside the pot ...when I joined this forum I didnt realize the names are very important or else everything will be just NOIDS...I have no problem with that but I get reprimanded and corrected even if I have a tag...someone will always say your orchid is not an orchid but a NOID...they just have their kicks on doing that without even giving you any proofs at all except their personal opinions...
I suggest you find out for yourself the real truth and listen to your instincs...

[isurus79]

You can also post pics here on the OB and people will tell what species you have or if its a hybrid. There are some very knowledgable people here who definitely know their stuff.

[weederwoman]

Thank you all. I know I need to be patient and post pictures as things flower, but I also would feel silly if there were easy rules that I didn't bother to find out about. These plants have been neglected and have not flowered for years. Many of them may be and some of them surely are plants collected in Mexico in the 1970's. It's like waiting to open christmas presents sitting right in front of you, or trying to guess who-done-it while reading a mystery book. I imagine it will take years before I can get them all to bloom.

[isurus79]

Sounds like a fun project! Good luck!