Laelia albida 'Pink' by self #4557 (approximately 25 seedlings per flask).

The Species: Plants grow in the mountains of western Mexico as an epiphyte on oak and juniper trees and occassionally on rocks. They are found in open, deciduous forest at 6400 to 7550 ft elevation. The plants are from 6 to 9" tall. The inflorescence carries 2 to 9 of the strongly fragrant flowers that are up to 2" wide. I have heard speculation that this may be a natural hybrid of Laelia albida, but I don't have any solid information.

Culture: Bright light is essential. I've read that if the leaves are dark green, they aren't getting enough light. Good air movement is important especially if the light is bright. The monsoon climate of western Mexico has a dry season from fall to late spring where rainfall is low though extra moisture is available from nightly dew. In the habitat, winter average minimums are in the mid 40's F and in summer in the mid 50's F. Average daytime ranges from the low 70's F in the winter and the high 70's F in the summer. In the winter mist occassionally or water intermitantly to prevent shrivelling of the pseudobulbs.

Parent: Laelia albida 'Pink'