Characteristics, cultivation, diseases and pests of Laelia tenebrosa

Laelia tenebrosa with the typical purple orchid flower

The genus Laelia has 23 species and is a plant that is found within the family Orchidaceae, tribe Epidendreae and sub-tribe Eriinae. It is geographically distributed in the lowlands of the American continentspecifically in the following countries, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela.

Temperate or subtropical climateIt develops in cool temperatures, jungle with humidity, heat in summer and aridity in winter. There are species that grow in cold, sunny and dry environments.

Features

orchid or Laelia tenebrosa planted in small pots

Among the Laelia species is the ‘Dark Laeliaa species of orchid that is found only in Brazil, from the north of Rio de Janeiro to the north-central of Espíritu Santo. It grows at altitudes close to sea level from 200 or 300 meters to 600 to 800 meters.

It is observed in dense and very humid umbrophilic forests. It lives in the shadow of the trunk of old and very tall trees, rich in biodiversity and blooms from November to January. It was described in 1891 by Rolfe referring to its dark tone. The genera L. grandis and L. purpurata have common characteristics.

Depending on the size of the plant, it can provide between one to four large flowers per spike. They are scented and usually last up to two weeks in good weather conditionsreaching up to 18 centimeters.

A circular lip has a white base with a purple spot, in the petals and sepals of the flower you can find shades ranging from greenish yellow to orange or brown with copper tones. Although the coloration varies according to the species. The blade is rigid about 30 cm long.

Farming

It is easy to grow it, it can thrive in low light but it is not as cold tolerant. If you expose it to inappropriate temperatures or handle a lot, lesions will appear on the surface of its leaves and pseudobulbs, equal to sunburn. If this happens, you must prevent fungal or bacterial infections cutting the injured part and placing the mat in an airy place. Use a fungicide.

If you want to enjoy its charms in your garden, you must take into account the temperature and humidity when planting it. You can do it in fern barks or logs, baskets and pots. Place it in the window that gets sun, water it twice a week, and add an orchid fertilizer every 15 days.

If you are going to transplant, do it preferably in spring.

Diseases and pests

nursery with a Laelia tenebrosa plant and other different plants

Laelia tenebrosa is very resistant, despite the large number of insects that approach it. Fortunately on the market there are remedies to control and make them disappear.

If you are not careful, your plant can be attacked by fungi, viruses and pests that damage your orchids. The latter are numerous, mainly there are mealybugs, catleya flies, cockroaches, coquitos, yellow flies, snails, ants, aphids, termites, red spider mites, and they are all very harmful. Many feed on its tender rootsthey climb the flowers and the buttons mistreating them. Others lay their eggs whose larvae or worms weaken it.

Avoid them, keeping the area where the orchid is clean, without traces of wilted and stale flowers. Do not combine your collection of orchids with other species, which can be carriers of evils. Monthly inspects the condition of its stems, roots or leaves.

Good ventilation of the environment prevents the presence of mushrooms and microbes. Sterilize the implements, especially the scissors to cut. Change the bactericidesThis way, resistance to the products will not arise.

For about two decades more than 20 species of orchids have become extinct. Actions will have to be taken between the international community and teams of zoologists and researchers that work for the preservation of these exotic flowers, as a resource managed in a sustainable way.

Also declare protected areas to reproduce threatened and endangered species in situ. Pursuing your illegal trade and the indiscriminate commercialization (for its ornamental use), is another reason that affects the maintenance of its environment.

It is said that the decrease in its habitat is due to the increase in anthropegenic actions that puts it at risk of disappearance. That is why it is necessary to treasure its diversity and take advantage of it from the educational, scientific or ornamental aspects. We know that the elegance and beauty of its flowers represents a risk, that is why in some countries it is a cultural emblem or national flower.

Characteristics, cultivation, diseases and pests of Laelia tenebrosa

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