2017 project another attempt

[orion141]

Hi all!

So... I know we have tried for a 2017 project without much success.

During our last attempts it seemed that there was interest in choosing rupiculous laelias as a group project, followed by all of the participants then being able to choose any plant considered a rupiculous laelia. I know that's a little different than some of the projects in the past, but it may make it easier and more doable for us to get a project going. I think that this would be fun (and certainly much more fun than no project).


I realize that these plants may be a little finicky, but upon reading more about them it just seems that you have to understand that they like high light and not to remain too moist.

Let me know if anyone would be interested in doing this!

Here are the sources I've found so far:

Andys orchids (must call him for availability but he does have some rupiculous laelias).

Fred Clark Sunset Valley orchids

Orchid trail has a number of rupiculous laelias listed Orchid Trail: Orchid Species and Hybrids

Miranda Orchids has a few listed for sale (mirandaorchids.com)

Santa Barbara orchid (Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Home Page) appears to have several listed but requires a call for availability.

Carter and Holmes

Cschaz on eBay has been reported to be a good source as well.

Ecuagenera has cattleya longpipes formerly known as laelia lucasiana.

Gold country: laelia briegeri

[estación seca]

I have seen some rupicolous Laelias in habitat. Most rupicolous Laelias grow where they are completely soaking wet for many months during warm weather. Some species have roots in thin moss pads on bare rock, in areas where it rains almost every day in summer. Other species grow on elevated rock benches, with their roots extending into standing water for much of the summer. Most species experience completely dry winters, without even much dew. The problems growing them are not related to too much water. None of them grows with wet roots stuffed into deep, dark pots of bark or moss. I think the root aeration issue, plus high light requirements, are the main issues growing them.

Different species grow in very different areas. If you want to grow species, you must read carefully about the habitat of the species you want to grow. Most species experience drastically cooler nights, all year. Some species grow in full sun on black rocks. Others grow shaded by tall grass, or shrubs. It is not possible to give a single best method to grow different rupicolous Laelias.

Fred Clarke at Sunset Valley Orchids sells a number of rupicolous Laelia hybrids. They are scattered among his other Cattleya offerings. Right now, in Compact Catts he has:

SVO 6753 Blc. New Hybrid (L. Gold Star 'Olympic Gold' x Blc. Guess What 'SVO' AM/AOS)
L. Gold Star = (L. flava x L. harpophylla), two rupicolous Laelias

In Blooming-Size Catts in 4" Pots he has
SVO 5210 L. Ipanema Beach (L. briegeri 'Star of Brazil' HCC/AOS x L. tenebrosa v. alba 'Thonhauser's Treasure')
SVO 5580 L. Ipanema Beach (L. tenebrosa 'Clair' AM/AOS x L. briegeri 'Star of Brazil' HCC/AOS)

I highly recommend Laelia Ipanema Beach. It is a primary hybrid between L. briegeri (a yellow-flowered rupicolous plant) and L. tenebrosa. He made it twice; once with a dark tenebrosa, and once with an alba tenebrosa. I have one of each. The plants are astoundingly vigorous. My small plants came a couple of years ago in 3" pots and immediately began making 3-4 growths at a time.

[orion141]

You are correct, I was giving a very simplified/short explanation (and thus not giving this complete justice). I essentially was just trying to convey that I know there is a stigma of difficulty associated with these orchids, but it seems that a lot of people are successful growing them in many climates and indoors/outdoors. I think you are 100% right with regards to looking up each species individually.

I didn't even realize that there were hybdrids of these orchids and Fred Clark of svo is a great orchidbsupplier and would be an awesome source. Another reason to have the project rupiculous laelia and we can then choose hahaha.

[Skycat]

Looks like SVO has a minimum order of $50, though. So that's not happening.

[Cheddarbob14]

Might be worth a shot for someone here that has been a frequent customer of his to ask about dropping the minimum order for those that would like to participate. Which, btw, I would love to be a part of whatever project takes place!

[Salixx]

cschaz on eBay is another good source if you're willing to wait on bidding. He does free shipping with his orders. I have four plants from him and they are all fantastic.

I recommend sniping if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for his plants, though...

[orion141]

Looks like there are some great reasonably priced places to purchase a rupiculous laelia. I just got my plants from Andy's orchids, and they are great looking.

[Skycat]

Where are you even finding them on Andy's site? I only found one on there that was labeled that way, and it's $30.

I did find one on Carter & Holmes that would be about that much INCLUDING shipping, so I'm considering that (unless it becomes sold out by the time I decide), but... I'm honestly puzzled as to where people are even finding other options.

[orion141]

I had to call Andy (he has a number of plants not listed on the site) and he will tell you what he has. I got a laelia milleri from him. I'll look for some more options tonight.

[Leafmite]

Good luck with the project! I am glad that it is going to happen!