Laelia orchids

Laelia is a Central and South American genus closely allied with Cattleya, and the two interbreed extensively to produce Laeliocattleya hybrids. Historical taxonomy placed around fifty species in Laelia; molecular revisions in the 2000s moved most South American species into Cattleya, leaving Laelia proper as primarily a Mexican genus. Both the old and new classifications are still in use across catalogues.

Laelia species tend to be tough epiphytes or lithophytes with strong pseudobulbs and vivid flowers in saturated colours — magenta, fuchsia, yellow, and white predominate. The genus contributes strong colour and compact growth to Cattleya-alliance breeding.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): bright light (2,500 to 4,000 footcandles), intermediate to warm temperatures, dry well between waterings, 50 to 65 percent humidity, strong airflow. Medium to coarse bark in well-drained pots, or mounted for drier-growing species.

Notable species include Laelia anceps (Mexican, winter-flowering, extremely popular), Laelia speciosa, Laelia rubescens, and the formerly-Laelia species now classified as Cattleya (Cattleya purpurata, Cattleya tenebrosa). Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.