Laelia Anceps in South Florida?
 

I have been growing Catt. and Onc. in South Florida for several years with great success. I have only two Laelia Anceps in my collection and they have not done well. In the last two years they get buds but they turn yellow and drop off. New growths often turn brown and die. The plants just don't look healthy. Are these orchids not suited for outdoor South Florida culture?

I have several Laelia anceps and they have been growing like weed...I'm not sure how you are growing them, but I do grow them successfully outdoors.

Thanks for the reply. That's encouraging to know that someone is growing them successfully down here. I treat my Laelias just like my Catts. I thought their culture was the same. Am I wrong about that?

Hi there again. I'm sorry. I suppose I meant that I don't know what medium and light you are giving them. I have some catts but the majority of my catt alliance is composed of Rupicolous Laelias and Laelia anceps and its hybrids.

I grow mine, like I mentioned, outdoors on a shelf in my yard. The Laelias and rupicolous laelias definitely require A LOT more light than cattleyas do. I mean A LOT. I grow mine in almost full sun and I leave them out in temperature extremes--even during the winter time. As a matter of fact, I grow them alongside my renantheras, who love the sun. I find that Laelia anceps grows faster and bigger than catts do.


Ummm. As far as potting medium, I grow mine in 100% hydroton.


I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. :)

Thanks again. I have mine in clay pots with Hydroton and charcoal. They do get a lot of light. I might just have a couple of duds. I won't give up now that I know it can be done. Thanks again.

Good luck!! the blooms are definitely worth it!!

BTW--that cattleya in your picture is gorgeous!

Question 1...Do you guys treat for thrips?
Question 2...Where are you buying Hydroton? Or is this Leca? that might have been 3

Hi there swamper!! :)

1) What are thrips? I'm guessing its not a good thing. Are these the things that eat blooms?

I got that once with a phal but not again for any plants.

2) I buy it by the BIG bag from OFE or I go to a local hydroponics store.

3) I think it's hydroton. :)

Hi Maria. Yeah thrips love new blooms and they'll blast them to bits. If I get a new bud and don't spray for thrips, I will most likely loose it and the signs are like Tuckers'.
I think Leca and Hydroton are the same.
I love OFE but they are so expensive.
I think I just keep going back to see the pretty girl :)

LOLOLOL

I got it once on a phal, but never again on any other plant. Probably because when anything starts to bud I put it inside. :) Except for the renantheras and they've never gotten thrips.

You are right---OFE is expensive. but not for the hydroton. The hydroponics store and OFE have it at the same price. But their selection isn't that great and well--I don't have the same incentive that you do. giggle

I actually buy most of my supplies online now. Cheaper, even with the shipping. And, more selection. :)