Laeliinae

Orchids from this alliance come in many colours, shapes, forms and sizes. Culture varies only slightly among most of these. 

Light

Light is the most important factor in growing and flowering Laeliinae in a greenhouse or elsewhere. Bright light to some sun should be given to the plants, with no direct sun in the middle of the day. This means 50 to 70 percent full sun in a greenhouse. Leaves should be a medium green colour, pseudobulbs erect and requiring no staking. 

Temperatures

Should be approx 14℃ at night and 20 to 30℃ during the day. Seedlings should have night temperatures some 5 degrees higher. A 10 degree differential between day and night is recommended, especially for mature plants. Higher day temperatures can be tolerated (up to 35℃), if humidity, air circulation and shading are increased. 

Water

Should be provided in two ways: in the pot by watering and in the air as humidity (which should be 50 to 80%). Mature plants need to dry out thoroughly before being watered again. Seedlings need more constant moisture. Plants in active growth need more water than plants that are resting. Watering below 10℃ may injure plants. 

Fertiliser

Fertilise on a regular schedule. In fir bark, a high-nitrogen (such as 30-10-10) formulation, or a similar proportion, is used. Otherwise, use a balanced fertiliser. When in active growth, plants need fertiliser at least every two weeks, and when not actively growing, once a month. Fertiliser can also be applied with every watering at one-quarter the recommended dilution. 

Potting

Mature Laeliinae are usually potted in coarser potting material than are seedlings. A mix of bark and an additive such as perlite or gravel is satisfactory. Until a plant has at least six mature pseudobulbs, it generally should be put into a larger pot and not divided. If dividing a plant, three to five pseudobulbs per division are required for rapid return to flowering.