Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Genus:
Species:
speciosa
ID:
222799

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Kunth) Schltr.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1914

Citation Micro:
Orchideen Beschreib. Kult. Zücht. : 233 (1914)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000222128



Common Names

  • Laelia speciosa
  • Speciosa Laelia
  • Showy Laelia


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Synonyms

  • Laelia grandiflora Lindl. [unknown]
  • Laelia majalis Lindl. [unknown]
  • Bletia grandiflora Lex. [unknown]
  • Bletia speciosa Kunth [unknown]
  • Cattleya grahamii Lindl. [unknown]
  • Cattleya majalis Beer [unknown]
  • Laelia grandiflora alba Dimmock [unknown]
  • Amalia grandiflora Heynh. [unknown]
  • Amalia majalis Heynh. [unknown]

Description

Laelia speciosa (also called 'Showy Laelia', among many other common names) is an epiphytic orchid native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It has a single, upright, unbranched stem and long, narrow, pointed leaves. The flowers are large and fragrant, and range in color from white to pink to purple. It grows in humid, tropical forests, usually in the canopy of trees.

Uses & Benefits

Laelia speciosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Laelia speciosa has flowers that are white to pinkish-purple in color and have a pleasant scent. The seeds are round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Laelia speciosa is a tropical evergreen orchid that grows to a height of up to 3 feet. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by division, which should be done in spring or summer. Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants.

Where to Find Laelia speciosa

Laelia speciosa can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico and Guatemala.

Laelia speciosa FAQ

What is the ideal temperature for Laelia speciosa?

Laelia speciosa prefers temperatures between 55-85°F (13-29°C)

What type of light does Laelia speciosa need?

Laelia speciosa prefers bright, indirect light.

How often should Laelia speciosa be watered?

Laelia speciosa should be watered once the soil has dried out completely.

Species in the Orchidaceae family

Aa fiebrigii, Aa hartwegii, Aa hieronymi, Aa leucantha, Aa lorentzii, Aa macra, Aa achalensis, Aa maderoi, Aa mandonii, Aa matthewsii, Aa microtidis, Aa paleacea, Aa argyrolepis, Aa riobambae, Aa rosei, Aa schickendanzii, Aa sphaeroglossa, Aa trilobulata, Aa weddelliana, Aa aurantiaca, Aa calceata, Aa colombiana, Aa denticulata, Aa erosa, Aa figueroi, Aa lozanoi, Aa lehmannii, Acampe carinata, Acampe cephalotes, Acampe ochracea, Acampe pachyglossa, Acampe praemorsa, Acampe joiceyana, Acampe hulae, Acanthophippium bicolor, Acanthophippium chrysoglossum, Acanthophippium curtisii, Acanthophippium eburneum, Acanthophippium gougahense, Acanthophippium javanicum, Acanthophippium lilacinum, Acanthophippium mantinianum, Acanthophippium parviflorum, Acanthophippium pictum, Acanthophippium splendidum, Acanthophippium striatum, Acanthophippium sylhetense, Acanthophippium curtisii, Achlydosa glandulosa, Acianthera aculeata,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-107072: Based on the initial data import
Carl Sigismund Kunth (1788-1850): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Kunth' in the authors string.
Rudolf Schlechter (1872-1925): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Schltr.' in the authors string.