Laelia anceps

Sunset

Laelia anceps, photo courtesy of Peter Chadwick/Alamy

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Zones 16, 17, 21-24, H1, H2

Partial

Moderate

Orchidaceae
Orchids and bromeliads, Flowers

LAELIA

Closely related to (and resembling) Cattleya, these orchids are easy to grow but variable in appearance. Pseudobulbs can be plump and large flowered, like cattleya, or slender and canelike, with plants bearingclusters of smaller flowers.All have fleshy leaves. Laeliascross freely with cattleyas. Afew are hardy enough to growoutdoors along the Californiacoast as far north as San Francisco. Outdoor plants are usually grown on tree trunks or in pots on the patio; indoor plants can be brought outdoors at warm times of year. For cultural needs, see Cattleya.

Laelia anceps

From Mexico. Plump pseudobulbs carry thick6-in. leaves. Flower spikesrange from 6 in. to 3 ft. long,carry three to six fragrant, 4-in. pinkish lilac flowers in winter.Some varieties have pink, white, purple, or lavender-blueblossoms.