Laelia reginae (Project 5 - Spring 2007)

[Becca]

Dave, how is yours doing mounted? Any new growth or roots?

I was on Andy's website and this is what he recommends for watering for one that is potted: Potted, Moist; 2-3 waterings per week(let dry slightly between waterings).

I am confused on what to do....let it dry and water once a week or water a couple times a week and keep moist? His website also states they like cool to intermediate favoring cool....the same for Laelia milleri also, but my milleri is doing well in my warmer orchidarium. Perhaps I should move my Laelia reginae to grow next to it with the same conditions?

[gmdiaz]

Mine looks good! But hasn't changed much at all since we started. I left mine in the little granite rocks.

Becca, I think it's too humid and maybe too cool where you've got it? Looks like it needs to dry out to me and probably could go with brighter light as well. ?

I've got mine sitting on my work desk with a desk lamp (with a grow bulb) shining right down on it (maybe 7" above it). . .I water it twice a week. I think it would prefer even more light than it's getting now.

[flhiker]

Hi Becca, Mine looks good and happy, and has 2 new growths. What I have observed with all my mounted plants is that they dry out very quick. So IMO they should be misted daily, at least down here because the roots like it cool. I water (mist with spray bottle) mine every morning and by the time I return home from work the moss is dry (unless it rained all day). If it were in my care I would step up the water and watch it close.

[kiki-do]

Oh wow, those are fantastic new growths! Well....guess I am going to give mine a good talking to today. I refuse to let lazy orchids take up residency here. It's time to get to work and produce. kiki

[caseydoll]

Becca, as usual I can totally relate to your problem! Although mine doesn't look so much shriveled but instead has lost almost every leaf! I haven't taken any pics cuz I'm too embarrassed but it looks like crap! I still have mine in the rock it came in because now I'm too scared to take the chance. My problem started when I put it too close to the lights and a couple leaves burned to a crisp. Now even though I moved it it continues to go downhill. How the heck can you even tell when it needs water when it's in rock? I still think the orchid gods are telling me to stick to just phals... Grrrrrrrr......

Dave and Kiki, your pics look great! Good job growing!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by caseydoll

My problem started when I put it too close to the lights and a couple leaves burned to a crisp.

How can this be? Rupiculous Laelias love full sun and, in fact won't bloom without it. Mine is in very bright light (for Northern Michigan) and has put out 2 new growths. I don't have the one you have, but a relative (L. briegeri). I've never heard of burning a rupiculous Laelia in full sun.

[caseydoll]

I know Ross!!! Leave it to me! And it wasn't even under t-5's or anything. It's in my exo-terra under the compact fluorescents that is supposed to go with the exo-terra hood. That light is definately not that strong. Maybe they turned black and crispy for another reason? But it was right after I moved it higher up in the terrarium that it happened.

[kiki-do]

Thanks Sarah, I think I would take it out of that rock and check it to see what is going on underneath. At this point in time, what do you have to lose? I would put it in medium that I felt comfortable with and can tell when to water. I read that Rupicolous Laelia Culture sheet and it didn't say anything about it needing air flow, but I swear by that. (Of course I fly by the seat of my pants half the time). But every plant that I have hung in wooden boxes or mounted has shown more growth than any other. Just my thoughts. I know it's hard to watch a baby take a turn for the worse. I have a Slc. that isn't looking good. It's a plant lover's heartbreak, isn't it?
kiki

[Becca]

Sarah, I am sooo sorry to hear of your misfortune! I guess your situation doesn't make mine seem so bad. I know they don't like being disturbed, but perhaps it is time to take a look at the roots!

[caseydoll]

Becca, thank you for feeling my pain. I didn't want to take the focus off of your plant but I thought my sad story would make you feel better. I think your orchid looks great compared to mine. Yours will probably start popping out some new roots and snap right out of it. I have faith!