laelia-anceps-var-alba

The genus Laelia is one of the most prominent genera within the entire orchid family ,thanks to its lovely flowers ,easy culture and a high number of genetic dispositions that are extensively used in breeding . In some cases ,it can only be distinguished from the closely related genus Cattleya by minute details in the morphology of the flowers . L. anceps is a classic orchid ,the cultivation of which goes far back in to history . The apex of the unifoliate ,slim,egg-shaped pseudobulb gives rise to a flower spike that reaches a length of 28 in /70 cm and bears 3-5 large ,vividly purple flowers . Besides these typically colored plants ,there exists an albinic variety that is a highly valuable collector's item and whose flowers are white with a tinge of yellow (see photo ), and other color variations. Cultivation is relatively easy,the same as in the case of L.autumnalis. L. anceps blooms between December and January -a very favorable period for cultivators -and comes from Mexico .