Name: Laelia purpurata 'var. russeliana × var. rosea-concolor'
Synonym: Cattleya purpurata (Lindl. & Paxton) Van den Berg
Etymology: purpurata = colored purple-red (referring to the typical lip color); russeliana = named in honor of Lord John Russell; rosea-concolor = uniformly pink.

First description: The parent species was described in 1852 by John Lindley and Joseph Paxton. This specific cross combines two rare color varieties (variedades).
Origin / distribution: The parent species is native to southeastern Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul).
Location / habitat: Growing epiphytically (rarely lithophytically) in coastal rainforest regions (Mata Atlântica) and swamp forests, often in the canopies of fully sunlit or lightly shaded trees near the coastline. It prefers warm to intermediate conditions with high humidity year-round and strong air movement.
Description & notes: Laelia purpurata is one of the most impressive and largest-growing laelias. It produces strong, spindle-shaped, slightly flattened pseudobulbs, each bearing a single, upright, extremely leathery leaf. The inflorescence, emerging from a large leaf sheath, bears 2 to 5 spectacular, intensely fragrant flowers up to 20 cm across.

This deliberate line cross brings together two of the most coveted color forms among Brazilian collectors:

• var. russeliana: Distinguished by the very subtle, pastel to pale pink coloration of the lip (in contrast to the often deep purple of the typical form). The sepals and petals are usually pure white or tinged with the faintest pink.

• var. rosea-concolor: The flower is uniformly (concolor) colored in an elegant, consistent shade of pink, without the hard color contrast typical of the genus between the white petals and the dark lip.

The breeding goal of this cross is an exceptionally refined, harmoniously coordinated flower in soft, flowing pastel and pink tones, combined with the species’ typically large, widely open lip structure.

In cultivation, this plant needs plenty of space and maximum light (bright to full sun, with light shade in midsummer). It thrives in coarse bark in well-drained pots or wooden baskets. During spring and summer growth, it needs abundant water and regular feeding. After flowering and during the winter rest period, watering is reduced considerably, but the potting medium should never be allowed to dry out completely.