Name: Laelia tenebrosa

Description & Flowering: An impressive botanical orchid from the Cattleya alliance with robust pseudobulbs and leathery leaves. The large flowers exhibit warm bronze to copper-brown hues and a contrasting, vividly colored lip.

Light: Bright to very bright with filtered light. Mild morning or evening sun is beneficial; avoid intense midday sun.

Temperature: Warm to intermediate, about 18–28 °C, with a good nocturnal temperature drop if possible.

Water & Humidity: Water regularly and thoroughly during active growth. Allow the roots to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering slightly after the pseudobulbs have matured. Increased humidity should always be combined with good air circulation.

Substrate: Airy, coarse orchid substrate based on bark with mineral additives. The roots require very good drainage and must not remain permanently wet.

In-vitro culture: You will receive a flask with 4 young plants. The plants are generally large enough to be deflasked. After opening, carefully remove the nutrient medium completely from the roots with lukewarm water and pot the young plants in fine, airy bark with a small amount of sphagnum moss. For the first few weeks, we recommend approximately 20–26 °C, high humidity, very good air circulation, and bright, sheltered light. Keep the substrate slightly moist, but do not allow the young roots to remain permanently wet; subsequently, slowly acclimate to drier and brighter standard Cattleya growing conditions.