Laelia reginae
 

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


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

That seems to be the normal color for this species.

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.
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!!!!!

I want one now.

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

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!

Me too! :D

I just love it!

Well thanks for the compliments everyone! I'll post an update pic when the next spike has open flowers on it with the brighter light.

I like this plant exactly the way it is: small, delicate, cute. The glittering petals always fascinated me and this little shine in the sunlight. :)

Well, at least you got it to bloom :-) I have several rupiculous Laelias and this is one of those which I have not been able to bloom... And Fred is right, they need a lot of light, so that the leaves get a reddish tone..

Steve, is it growing entirely in rocks or gravel?

Who cares if the colors are "bland?" At least the plant was gracious enough to bloom for you. :)

Every bloom is a gift, IMO.

Entirely in gravel; atleast from what I can see. I haven't dug around in the media though.
Normally I would agree! But I grow in a very small space now, so every inch is precious. This guy better get it right on the next bloom!! :evil: Muhuhahahahahaah!!!