The Laelia that started it all

[maria1971]

This is the first Laelia anceps that I ever purchased. I bought it from a small grower out in California back in 2009. This was the plant that started my obsession with Laelias, and Laelia anceps specifically. This year, it produced 2 spikes, but I was negligent and a snail ate the buds on the second spike. The blooms have a slight cherry scent, which surprises me every time. Photo taken on October 22, 2011.

This picture gives you an idea of the length of the spike in relation to the size of the plant.




First bloom:





Second bloom:





closeup of the lips because I think they are gorgeous.




the second lip:

[ang709]

Sorry about the snails. I love the blooms. The lip color is gorgeous.

[eorchids]

Beautiful anceps.
Snails ate 2 spikes of my Laelia gouldiana.

[Cjcorner]

My only anceps cross has been sulking since being repotted. I hope someday all those empty sheaths will fill with buds. In the meantime I'll enjoy the pictures of your gorgeous flowers.

[cdayinflorida]

Beautiful anceps, Maria. It looks well grown.

[catttan]

Beautiful. Great shots.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Stunning orchid!!! Congratulations on a beautiful orchid and photos.

Cheers,
BD

[pavel]

Lovely flowers, Maria. I've always like anceps. If this spikes weren't so ridiculously tall, I would have one.

[cakedaddy]

Your anceps looks wonderful! What culture do you give it? I have two that are just now blooming size...
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[maria1971]

Thanks everyone!! I have more in spike. They will bloom soon.

Cakelady, to answer your question: All my Laelia anceps are growing in 100% LECA in clay pots. I give them bright light but not direct sun (one whose picture I will post received too much sun and it damaged the leaves). The goal is to get them to granny apple smith green and that's about as light as I like to see the leaves. I was not able to fertilize this year, but I usually use organic fertz, vodka and seaweed powder or liquid. When I water, I water thoroughly and make sure that they plant/root is soaked. Then I make sure that they dry out until the next watering. I water year-round, but water less during the winter time here. I also leave them outside all year long. Miami gets into the 20's and 30's during February and I give them their cold spell during that time. Anything lower than that I would bring them inside. During the summer when it's hot here I water daily. They do not have thick roots like Cattleyas; the roots tend to be thin.

A grower here in Florida told me that Laelia anceps were difficult to grow in South Florida, and I looked at him like he was crazy.