Dwarf Laelia praestans

[Rosim_in_BR]

Laelia praestans Linden & Rchb.f. is a dwarf species that lives in the wild in the State of Espirito Santo in Brazil. Not higher than 12-13 cm, the 9-10 cm wide flowers can be considered huge compared to the plant. It was once considered a variety of Laelia pumila, but it is recognized as a valid species by its own merits since 1990. The trumpet-like lip with a characteristic curvature is distinctive of this species, as can be seen in the photo. Like Laelia pumila, the bud appears as the leaf unfolds, normally one, seldom two like in the plant shown below.

[Tindomul]

Beautiful! I love the color and sizes!!!

[kavanaru]

Hi Mauro, gorgeous plant.. like always with all your posts...

I have a couple of question... I have "discovered" this species for me while searching for candidates for the Project Nº 6... unfortunatelly, it did not make it up to the list as not available in canada (if I remember it right). I also had a look on L. pumila... you mentioned the this plant is not taller than 13 cm... is it the same for L. pumila?
On the other hand, do these two species have special requirement I should keep in mind, in case I decide to buy grow them?

[kavanaru]

sorry for this....

but as I always said with my two friends in Madrid (one brazilian and one colombian - Mauro, I'm venezuelan, in case you do not know it): Sudacas al poder!!! LOL

I just thought of that now...

[Dorothy]

Oh I like this one
How can I not .. it's a laelia!!!
Beautiful as usual

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

Hi Mauro, gorgeous plant.. like always with all your posts...

I have a couple of question... I have "discovered" this species for me while searching for candidates for the Project Nº 6... unfortunatelly, it did not make it up to the list as not available in canada (if I remember it right). I also had a look on L. pumila... you mentioned the this plant is not taller than 13 cm... is it the same for L. pumila?
On the other hand, do these two species have special requirement I should keep in mind, in case I decide to buy grow them?

Ramón, yes I was aware you are Venezuelan . May I answer your questions later? I have to leave now for our orchid society meeting, so I'll come back later and try to answer you, OK?

[cb977]

Fantastic color, Mauro!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Hi, Ramón, I'm back!
To the questions:

Originally Posted by kavanaru

... you mentioned the this plant is not taller than 13 cm... is it the same for L. pumila?
On the other hand, do these two species have special requirement I should keep in mind, in case I decide to buy grow them?

Yes, average size is the same for both pumila and praestans. They are small, compact and indistinguishable without flowers.
I don't think they need any special care. I grow praestans and pumilas along with other Cattleyas and Laelias. They do well either potted or mounted in which case the waterings must be adjusted to not let the plant start shriveling. If the plant is well rooted and in case you use chemical fertilizers I'd only recommend that you fertilize before the waterings, kinda half an hour before. By doing this you will keep the plant always free of salt formations, especially on the root tips.
If you need anything else, just let me know !

[kiki-do]

Yes, I have something else. You are showing some absolute beauties lately. How about another overview of your greenhouse with these beauties all together?
Mauro, you really have a knack of growing, photography, and descriptions.
Gosh, can you tell I am bracing for another snowstorm coming sometime late morning? There's not enough Calgon in the world to take me away from all this. Ahhh, but orchids, yes! (Hope you've seen Calgon commercials to know what I am talking about)!

[kavanaru]

Excellent!! Thanks a lot Mauro... that's the info I was hoping to receive from you I think I know already which are the next Cattleya-like coming to my collection.. they are lovely...