Laelia anceps (Project 10 int. - Spring 2010)

[Izzie]

I did a search and read through several threads on the board with sparse information, and just wanted to clarify.

I. From what I've read, am I to understand that anceps like a hot, dry summer, and a cooler, moist winter?

II. Do you really have to clean off the buds to allow them to open, if so, how do you keep them from rotting with misting?

III. All of this in mind, is the L. anceps in active growth in the summer, or winter when it blooms?

1. When should you fertilize the most?

2. What is meant, exactly, by a "dry" period, whether it's in the winter or summer? Since I live in a dry climate, will I not have to do anything special?

3. How much drying out do they like between waterings? Should I mist daily?


ETA: All of THAT being said, will my anceps like being out on my patio this summer? Dry and hot, with cool, more humid nights. I can have it either under an umbrella where it would get bright southern shade, or in full sun- mainly southern exposure, I could situate it where it would get midday shade.

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[Izzie]

I almost took a picture today of my anceps and den. aggregatum together. When I rearranged yesterday, somehow I placed them in such a way that with the lighting this morning, it looked like the anceps was leaning over/towards the den as if to scold or mentor it. And the teeny den was cowering in shame.
Most likely for being a little daredevil stinker.

I should have snapped a pic, guess you had to be there.

[Connie Star]

My L anceps and the Cattleya intermedia I ordered from Oak Hill arrived yesterday and they are gorgeous, healthy plants. I am thrilled with the condition they arrived in and now I want to order more plants from Oak Hill.
I'm also waiting for an L anceps, which will be on a mount, from Andy's.

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by Connie Star

My L anceps and the Cattleya intermedia I ordered from Oak Hill arrived yesterday and they are gorgeous, healthy plants. I am thrilled with the condition they arrived in and now I want to order more plants from Oak Hill.
I'm also waiting for an L anceps, which will be on a mount, from Andy's.

That's great. Oak Hill has never let me down. I real confident you'll love your plant from Andy's too!

[Zoi2]

Mine came on Wednesday along with TC's: L. tenebrosa and C. dowaina. I need to get a battery for the silly camera.
Joann

[Izzie]

Hate to be a bother, any input on my questions at the top of the page?

[OrchidSue]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Hate to be a bother, any input on my questions at the top of the page?

I decided to go with L. anceps for the project and make it a true project by trying to grow it outside. All my current plants grow under lights inside.

My understanding from talking to a couple of people about culture is that anceps is very tolerant and forgiving. It blooms fall/winter and grows spring/summer. Therefore, more fertilizer spring/summer. It can take full sun and likes to dry between waterings. According to Andy's, it actually does not require a cool-down to bloom. That surprised me.

The one thing that was mentioned repeatedly is to rinse the spikes as they develop so they don't get stuck. You said something about misting-my understanding it is actually rinsing, not misting, and not just buds, but the whole spike as it develops so it doesn't get caught and abort. For my conditions, I rarely mist anything unless we get a real hot spell.

I think that you will have to experiment to see what works best for your conditions.

Susan

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[Izzie]

I appreciate the reassurance (and clarification) Susan!

I think that the laelia and my c. intermedia will like being on my patio where I'm planning- just hoping they don't mind the lack of air movement.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The problems with the blooms are most likely humidity related.

[Connie Star]

Well my Laelia anceps arrived Friday from Andy's along with 2 others and it is mounted and in as excellent condition as the one from Oak Hill (potted). I haven't had more than 2 mounted plants, both angraecums, until now so the comparison between mounted and potted is part of the experiment for me.