Cattleya / Laelia alaorii

I have a couple of these plants. I acquired them from an EBay vendor who specializes in Brasillian orchids, primarily Laelia Rupiculous plants.

He describes this plant: "Laelia alaorii is a species native to Brazil. It is a miniature and only grows 4-6 inches tall. It likes to grow in a very open mix, or mounted, and appreciates a bit of humidity. It does well in bright light with good air movement and light fertilizer. This species is a good candidate for growing mounted in an orchidarium, as it does not grow too large, and likes the humidity. Blooms are pale pink and are rather cupped."

 

I always grew mine warm and very bright, right under the lights. It was easy, it did well and bloomed every year, sometimes twice. I parted ways with it, though, because it was one of those alaorii's with washed out color and blooms that never opened well. -Stephen

 

One thing I learned about this species is that you don't want to over-water it in the cooler months. IMO, it is important to have good air movement and let the mounted plant dry out slightly between watering. It grows better for me under warmer temperature as well, 55/58-85F
PS, Tree-fern mount may not be a smart choice for this species unless you can keep your watchful eyes on it.

 

I've got a bunch of these we use to breed mini Cattleyas with. Most are imports from an alaorii breeder in Brasil and a couple are selfings or crosses done with US existing plants. I don't grow them bright and they bloom several times a year. Which is why we use them to breed with. I exercise good Cattleya culture in not letting them dry out too long or stay wet. I've got them mounted, some are growing in moss and clay pots, and some in bark and plastic. I find the bark in plastic do the best for me.

 

Mine is mounted and does well in high light (for Ohio), misted to saturation daily. Grows well and blooms every year. Intermediate to warm.