Laelia anceps in the rain

[estación seca]

I visited my family in Orange County, California, at Christmas 2023. The day I returned to Phoenix, December 27, this Laelia anceps had 8 spikes with buds about to open. Here it is today. It is from SVO, and the parents are 'Las Brisas' x 'Ultimo'. I bought it as a mature plant in June 2021. The flowers have lasted longer in previous years, but this year the rain damaged them. I didn't take any closeups because I don't want to get wet.

[Roberta]

That is magnificent - and loving the rain!

[DeaC]

Even on a gloomy day buds show very nicely. Big girl.

[rbarata]

Awesome plant! Does it bloom twice a year?

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Awesome plant! Does it bloom twice a year?

This and the Laelia gouldii mounted on the jacaranda bloom once a year. The gouldii usually flowers first, in early December. This one flowers from late December on for the three winters we've had it.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by estación seca

This and the Laelia gouldii mounted on the jacaranda bloom once a year. The gouldii usually flowers first, in early December. This one flowers from late December on for the three winters we've had it.

I'm asking this because when I put my anceps outside it started to produce blooms twice a year.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I'm asking this because when I put my anceps outside it started to produce blooms twice a year.

You are fortunate indeed! All of my L. anceps bloom only once per year.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Roberta

You are fortunate indeed! All of my L. anceps bloom only once per year.

It doesn't happen always. I think it depends on the early summer conditions.

[estación seca]

Interesting. This plant lives about 15 miles from Roberta, but a little farther inland.

Here are some dry photos showing plant size and the best remaining flowers. It is overgrowing a 6" / 15cm pot.