Laelia pfisteri

Also known as: Pfister's Laelia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bahia - Brazil

General Information

Pfister's Laelia is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil. It is named after the German Orchid Nurseryman in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 11-19cm. Each new growth has a single leathery erect leaf that grows to 2.3-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 6-7cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Care Notes

This orchid goes into a dormancy phase during winter, during this phase it is best not to provide water unless the plant is starting to look thirsty. The lack of water increases the chance of flowering in spring, and also reduces the likelihood of any rot forming. Do not resume watering until new growth has appeared and is growing strongly.

Often a period of intense growth occurs after dormancy. During this time the amount of light, water and fertiliser the plant receives will directly impact the amount of growth that occurs during this time, and in the case of seedlings, will reduce the time required to reach maturity.

It's recommended to heavily reduce the water amount at the middle to end of autumn to trigger dormancy. Leaves on older bulbs will begin to drop during this time while the newer bulbs continue to mature until terminal leaves appear at the tip of the pseudobulbs.

Repotting can be done any time of the year though it's best to do it in early spring when new growth is appearing as this also means new roots will appear to help the plant anchor into the new media and offset any damage to established roots during the repotting process.

 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 25mm to 152mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 9C to 25C, highest in August (12C to 25C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.