Laelia reginae

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

Mauro,

Are you growing this primarily in a gravel mix? How wet do you keep the mix? Will they grow okay with Sophronitis species such as coccinea? I have no problem growing Sophronitis in my conditions.........

It is planted in a mix of gravel and pine bark, Phantasm. Times ago I made some experiences with some different media combinations for rupicolous. I didn't like this specific medium, but didn't repotted the plant anyway (I don't like the way the pine bark behaves after a while being watered; it forms like a mud at the bottom of the pot).
The mixed gravel helps keeping the medium not humid, but slightly humid, between waterings. Yes, if you grow Sophro coccinea, you have the means to keep and grow Laelia reginae, which comes from the Serra da Moeda, a mountain range of around 1,600 to 2,000 meters above the sea level!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

I was just eyeballing this little beauty as part of my final purchase of the year....now I must have it! I do believe it is classified as a mini, but I could be wrong.

It is a mini, mini Becca! Hardly higher than 3.5".

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Shirley

Another gorgeous one, Mauro! You certainly do well with this genera! I appreciate hearing how you grow them.

Shirley

Shirley, I give them bright light (a little more than cattleyas receive), well-drained medium combined with frequent waterings during the growing time (good drainage is important). I've been testing several combinations for medium, but didn't pick up one yet as the best. Cool nights (winter) and fresh nights (summer) are essential considering that almost all of these rupicolous come from mountainous areas.

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by cb977

Uh-oh...I'm gonna be in trouble!!!

DITTO

[gmdiaz]

Originally Posted by SRF

DITTO

Boy, that's a fact.

I love this one!!!!

[cb977]

Well, how cool is it that this one ended up being the chosen plant for our current Quickie Project?
After reading through this thread again...I'm super-excited!

[gmdiaz]

Sue, did you note that the leaves on Mauro's reginae are GREEN?

Doesn't seem to be causing any problems with blooming, I would have to say.

[cb977]

Were they?

I hadn't noticed

[flhiker]

I received this plant in a gravel mix and removed it to a piece of cork bark with sphagnum moss. Oh well, I may put it back. I did save the pot and gravel I really like the way it looks on the bark.

[gmdiaz]

Well, everything looks better on a Ritz cracker but that doesn't mean. . .never mind, put it back in its rock haven. . .these are not epiphytes.

Hang onto your cork. I've got something to send you to put on it!