Laelia jongheana

Laelia jongheana, also known as The Jonghe Laelia, is a rare and exquisite epiphytic orchid species from the Orchidaceae family, native to the eastern slopes of Pico do Itambé in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1872, this miniature orchid is celebrated for its strikingly large, pink to purple flowers and its resilience in cool, humid environments.

Laelia jongheana is a small, cool-growing epiphyte that reaches heights of 10-17 cm. It features ovoid to ellipsoid dark green pseudobulbs, which are 3.0-5.5 cm long and about 1.5 cm wide, subtended by a white sheath. Each pseudobulb carries a single, leathery, oblong-elliptic leaf, 8-12 cm long and 3 cm wide.

Blooming from late winter to spring, Laelia jongheana produces a 14 cm long raceme with one or two long-lived flowers, each 10-16 cm in diameter. The flowers are medium to dark pink or pink-purple with widely spread, almost flat whorls. The petals of the inner whorl are nearly twice as wide as those of the outer whorl and have wavy edges. The lip is pale lilac outside, gold and orange inside, forming a tube that covers the rod.

Cultivation Tips 

• Light: Provide a light level of 30,000-45,000 lux with slightly filtered or dispersed light. Avoid direct midday sun. Ensure constant, strong air movement to support high light levels.

• Temperature: Laelia jongheana thrives in moderate temperatures. In summer, maintain daytime temperatures of 23-25°C (73-77°F) and nighttime temperatures of 15-16°C (59-61°F). In winter, daytime temperatures should be 19-22°C (66-72°F) and nighttime temperatures 10-11°C (50-52°F), with a daily temperature variation of 9-11°C.

• Humidity: Maintain humidity around 80% for most of the year, decreasing to 70-75% in winter and early spring.

• Substrate and Repotting: Laelia jongheana grows well when attached to pieces of tree fern with high humidity and daily irrigation during summer. Alternatively, use small pots or baskets with a thick, loose, fast-drying medium like bark mixed with perlite and charcoal. Repotting should be done when new roots begin to grow.

• Watering: Water frequently during active growth from spring to autumn, allowing roots to dry quickly between waterings. Reduce watering gradually in autumn as new growth matures.

• Fertilizer: Fertilize weekly with 1/4-1/2 the recommended dose of orchid fertilizer. Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to mid-summer and a high-phosphorus fertilizer in late summer and autumn.

• Rest Period: In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the substrate to dry out completely. Morning misting can help maintain adequate humidity. Increase watering if leaves or pseudobulbs show excessive wrinkling. Suspend fertilization until spring.

This is a blooming size imported bare root orchid; newly repotted in a 4" clay pot; about 1 to 2 years to bloom; Grown from seed; Limited!

Laelia jongheana is a rare, miniature orchid native to Brazil, renowned for its large, vibrant pink to purple flowers. This warm growing epiphyte thrives in high humidity, moderate temperatures, and bright, filtered light. Ideal for orchid enthusiasts, it requires specific care, including well-drained substrate, frequent watering during growth periods, and reduced watering in winter. With proper care, Laelia jongheana will reward you with its spectacular blooms, adding an exotic charm to any orchid collection.