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- - Laelia reginae (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/cattleya-alliance/58168-laelia-reginae.html)

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with this little guy. The colors are a bit......bland I guess. What do you guys think? This is the first time I've grown this species (or any rupiculous Laelia) and I love the size (the flower is about the size of a fingernail!), but not so much on the color.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6056/6...1fba1325_z.jpg
Laelia reginae by Isurus79, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6...5a1c7fc9_z.jpg
Laelia reginae by Isurus79, on Flickr

I love the mini catts and thats a nice flower :). I think more light might have given and

Quote:

Anthocyanins are a much different kind of pigment. They are much less stable than carotenoids. Anthocyanins aren't safely enclosed in plant cells. They are created in the roots, dissolved in the water that makes up plant sap, and move all the way up the plant to where the flowers develop. The least little change in the environment or health of the plant affects the sap, which means it also affects the anthocyanins. This is why blues and purples tend to be so changeable in flowers - they are produced by the notoriously unstable anthocyanin pigments.

Im thinking that has a lot to do with the coloring :biggrin:

That seems to be the normal color for this species.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel (Post 481879)

I love the mini catts and thats a nice flower :). I think more light might have given and

Im thinking that has a lot to do with the coloring :biggrin:

You might be right. I have it pretty close to a two bulb, t5 HO system, but the leaves are still very green. I think more light is in order for this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by msaar (Post 481883)

That seems to be the normal color for this species.

I guess I was hoping for darker pink and yellow or a white colored flower with the yellow lip. I'll just have to use this one as my experimental rupiculous Laelia! lol

OMG!!!! That is ADORABLE and DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!!!!

Oh wow, that is gorgeous!!!

Hi Steve,

Brazilian rupiculous Laelias like lots of light, the more light the better, a little direct sun does not hurt. The staining pattern of L reginae is that, but the colors can become stronger if the plant is more enlightened. I realize that your chid is with very green leaves and pseudobulbs, go slowly adapting to a stronger lighting and they will become increasingly more colorful, purple, and flowers with stronger colors. If you want stronger colors, I recommend Laelia ghillanyi for magenta, Laelia milleri for red, Laelia cinnabarina for orange and Laelia mixta for yellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frdemetr (Post 482784)

Fred,
Thanks for the advice! I have already increased the light on this one by 50% and can do so again if needed. There is another spike just starting to form, so I will post pics to compare the flowers. Unfortunately I am growing under lights now, so no direct sun is available. I am also looking for more rupiculous Laelias, so its good to have more names! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul (Post 481961)

I want one now.

Me too! :D

I just love it!