Unidentified Laelia
 

I bought this a few years ago as Laelia lobata; however, I don't think it's probably that species (besides the atypical shape of the lip, the plant doesn't bloom at the correct time of year as Laelia lobata). Whatever it is, it's easy to grow and the blooms smell pretty nice. The only negative about the plant is that it has a rambling growth habit, with pseudobulbs spread far apart on a creeping rhizome that likes to climb out of the pot.

Steve

Unidentified Laelia | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Unidentified Laelia | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

It looks like a laelia purpurata to me.

Sure is pretty. Maybe Peewee will know if its Laelia purpurata, I think she has one.

Looks more like purpurata than lobata to me; either way blooming out of season.

Ya, its form looks like purpurata to me as well. I had a purpurata that bloomed 3x per year when it was really happy (in Hawaii), so an out of season bloom is not that strange. Maybe its a purpurata/lobata cross? Hybrid vigor would also explain the fall bloom.

Which ever it is, it is gorgeous.
Joann

That doesn't look like lobata or anceps. Looks like purpurata to me. Mauro? :)

I would say purpurata also. How large is the flower?

The flower is close to six inches across at its widest point. I thought it resembled a purpurata bloom also, but my other two purpurata plants are much neater in habit than this one (i.e. they're growths are closely spaced on a short rhizome, and they don't have such a pronounced climbing habit). I like the flowers, but the plant's another story. It requires a metal ringstake to keep all of the growths from getting out of control, which, to me, detracts from any appeal the blooms have. Thanks, everyone, for your feedback!

Steve

Look a bit like Lc. Canhamiana (purpurata x mossiae) but more slender. Pretty sure it's not a pure purpurata.