One of the rupiculous Laelias. Has a taller flower stem than most. The semi-alba form seems to be commoner than the type species.

RUPICULOUS LAELIAS

The rupiculous Laelias, or Cyrtolaelia, are a special group of Laelias that grow mainly terrestrially in the state of Minas Gerais in Central Brazil. They are found usually in stony upland bush at heights of 1000-1800 meters (3,000 Â 5,000 feet). They are mostly small plants but can form large clumps. Conditions are harsh. There is very little shade and daytime temperatures can soar to 40 deg C (100+ F). At night in winter the thermometer can drop close to or even briefly below freezing. Rainfall is erratic and falls mainly in summer in the form of heavy thundery showers. Winters are almost completely dry, the only moisture available being from occasional heavy dews and low cloud.

In cultivation the main requirement is very high light. In northern latitudes they are probably best grown in full sun. If your plant has been grown in a nursery, however, it may have got used to shade so move it gradually. Nevertheless, even in good conditions they can be erratic flowering. A good compost is:

2 parts fine bark

1 part fine charcoal

1 part coarse lime-free grit.

Good luck.