Name: Laelia purpurata f. carnea (Rchb.f.) M.Wolff & O.Gruss
Synonyms: Laelia purpurata var. carnea Rchb.f.
Etymology: purpurata = purple-colored; carnea = flesh-colored — referring to the characteristic delicate flesh-pink to salmon hue of the lip in this color form.
First description: The species was described in 1852 by Lindley and Paxton. The color form carnea is based on a varietal description by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach (Rchb.f.) and was later formally classified as a form (f.) by Manfred Wolff and Olaf Gruss.
Origin / Distribution: Southern and southeastern Brazil (particularly in the states of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo).
Location / Habitat: Growing epiphytically in coastal rainforests (Mata Atlântica), often in the tree canopy in full-sun or partially shaded areas, where it is exposed to steady winds from the Atlantic. Thanks to this coastal location, it tolerates warm to intermediate conditions with high humidity.
Description & Notes: Laelia purpurata f. carnea is a large, robust orchid with upright, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs, each bearing a single long, leathery leaf. The inflorescence emerges from a large leaf sheath (spathe) and bears 3 to 5 very large, spectacular flowers. Unlike the typical species, which has a deep violet lip, the form carnea has pure white sepals and petals, which contrast with a beautiful, delicate flesh-pink to salmon-colored lip. A fine yellowish striping is often visible in the throat of the lip.

In cultivation, this form requires quite a lot of light (bright to very bright, but protected from scorching midday sun) and very good air circulation. It grows very well in coarse bark or well-drained baskets. During active growth in summer, it should be watered and fertilized abundantly, with the growing medium allowed to dry quickly between waterings. A cooler, drier rest period in winter is essential for inducing flowering in early summer.