Laelia purpurata var. Carnea

[Piper]

If I joke about being a species snob, there's a reason. The species simply have a delicacy and grace that get lost with generations of hybridizing.

I bought this plant as a NBS seedling 2 1/2 years ago. It put up a sheath this Feb, and I got all excited and then nothing happened, and I thought - darn! Another year to go.

Well, this is my first Catt that rests before blooming after producing a sheath, so when I saw buds inside the sheath in May, I was ready to burst!

The result was no disappointment! It's been open for nearly two weeks now, and after my besseae dropped yesterday, I figured I better do the photo shoot quickly! And yes, Hoa, it has a lovely light fragrance.

Julie

[Jmoney]

gorgeous! mine's still in very low bud...

[jtlqh]

Gorgeous! Carnea is my favorite amoung the Purpuratas. I got a seedling, so it might take 3 or 4 years to bloom? I bettter buy another blooming size.

Qing

[Molly Taco]

Beautiful Blooms and the pictures are great too. Species RULE !!!!
Cin

[Sarah]

Seems you are all species advocates - must be something to it!

Do species take extra care from hybrids? I would like to try some, as I too think they are very special, but worry that my steady 70+ degrees and 40+ % humidity may not suit.

What would be a good starter with what I can offer it?

[Sarah]

OH! meant to comment too - either that tasty glass of wine has mellowed me, or Julie is using a schmooshy filter on her photos today ...?

They are VERY nicely done and "artsy".

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Very nice!!! I the delicate color!

Cheers!
BD

[orchid-man]

generally species are just as easy to grow and flower as hybrids,that being said there are always the exception to the rule .
With the temp and humidity levels that you have just about any of the species that are in the hybrids that you have would be a go.


SPECIES NUTS yes as they are natures building blocks and if they go then the orginal hybrids that we use today can not be replaced and nature has also lost.

[Piper]

Sarah,

Find a species plant you're in love with! What genera do you grow well? Or would be best suited to your growing conditions?

Then you can drool over photos of their species and we can help you find a grower with plants (hopefully not too tiny) for sale!

Julie

[Diane]

Oh no!! You're not creating another species addict!!??!!

There are hybrids for reasons! They are created to combine the best of traits and to produce long lasting flowers, fragrances, exciting colors, etc. etc. I have some species, and lots of hybrids. Variety - the spice of life (and the best way to ensure year round blooms)