Laelia reginae (Project 5 - Spring 2007)

[Becca]

Hi Ross! It did come planted in granite rock from Andy's. And yes, I do have problems with the roots, but I believe they came that way. I started noticing the shriveling so I un potted it. It doesn't have much in the way of roots. I did save the granite rock, but I am not sure if I want to put it back into it. I have a Laelia milleri and it is potted in the small sized prime agra, or so it looks like it. It doesn't float like the alifor does. The Laelia milleri came potted in it and is doing quite well, that is why I bought the alifor thinking it would be the same and would grow well in it also. When you say it likes dry dry conditions, do you mean dry humidity wise?

[Dorothy]

Becca .. I let mine dry out pretty good like my other catts .. I spray once a day or every other day in the morning .. and mine is doing great ... I give it as much sun as the day allows.

[kiki-do]

Hi Becca,
I too let mine dry out really well, and spray it daily. I have mine in a square wooden basket (for ample air flow) and keep it in as high a light as I can get here in Maine winters.
I had originally put it in a glass bowl resting above the pebbles and water for humidity, but noticed it was not responding well. (I have a pic of it in quickie project) but now I don't have it in the bowl. It seems to like where it is now much better.
You have a whole new growth there! Must be some good roots, huh?
I was looking closely at mine today and I don't think it's doing anything! Looks healthy, but not growing much. I chock it up to not enough light during wintertime.
This picture was taken January 4th. It looks the same today.
Not sure about why your p-bulbs are shriveling. Might it be from overwatering???? Or too much humidity? Wish I could pinpoint it for you.
Becca!!!! kiki

[Dorothy]

Kiki - I think once you start to get some more sun .. it will start kicking into gear and grow for you .. just hang in there, girl

[kiki-do]

Thanks for the encouraging words....didn't realize that pic was taken right after watering...it looks satuated, but it usually looks quite dry. kiki

[Ross]

I offer this as help for those trying to wrestly with rupicolous (rock loving) Laelias: How to Grow Rupicolous Laelias

[Dorothy]

Thanks Ross - that's one of my favorite rup. laelia sites
Don't forget to check the 2 links on the bottom .. one on the potting demo and the other on more info on these lovely Brazilian Laelias

[flhiker]

Thanks Ross, I found your link especially helpful as they mentioned my area.

I still have mine mounted on cork bark with sphagnum. I mist it daily and have new growth. I now have it in the top of my terrarium (no lid) and is outside facing south. I do think they need more water then wild ones.

[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.