Laelia anceps var. barkeriana selfing #5914 sefling (approximately 25 seedlings per flask).

The Species: Laelia anceps is from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras where it is found at elevations from 1650 to 5000 feet in seasonally dry oak forest. The species will have from 2 to 5 fragrant flowers per inflorescence. There isn't a taxonomically accepted "variety barkeriana" but more of horticulturally recognized type. It comes form the eastern side of Mexico and is a overall dark color rather than a semi alba.

Culture: I have grown Laelia anceps with 45F winter minimum and 90F summer maximum. I also know people who grow it really well with more extreme temperatures. In the summer it needs generous water and a quick drying medium such as medium or large bark. I currently grow it with 50F minimum winter and 80F maximum days. In very cold winter weather, be sure that the plants are dry. Water and fertilize regularly from spring through fall and reduce water substantially for winter. It can grow in intermediate and cool-intermediate conditions also. The flowers (once open) last longer if not in a humid environment. Before they open in is a good idea to wash the buds off with water as the sugar that appears on the buds can keep them from opening normally.

I do not have an image of the parent plant so show a very nice flower of this variety. Used with kind permission from David Banks.