Laelia/Cattleya pumila tipo

[euplusia]

This compact growing species from the south of Brazil has beeen moved from Laelia to Hadrolaelia even to Sophronitis and is classified by taxonomists today as Cattleya.
It is temperature tolerant and grows easily with more water in summertime and a slightly dryer winter rest. Not as difficult to grow as jongheana is. As the single leaves of the new pbulbs open in September/October, one fairly large flower per bulb is produced without a sheath. This species flowers gladly. It is easily separated from the related L. praestans by the shape of the lip and only 3 calli.
I love my tiny little plant, but was a bit disappointed by the shape of the lip and sepals/petals. That is common for the species, it is a 'tipo' and not a selected variety.