Native to: Brazil. Laelia tenebrosa is found growing in the coastal state of Esprito Santo in forests on tree trunks and branches. It is rare and near extinction in its native habitat.
Here is what it is supposed to look like:
Flower Size: Large. 6 1/2 inches (16 cm).
Flower Description: Fragrant. Except for the color, it is similar to Laelia purpurata. The petals range from a dull olive-green to a dull yellow. In the best cultivated specimens, the color approaches copper or bronze. One source describes the flower as the color of raw silk. The lip is tubular and purple in color. The throat is darker than the wavy front part of the lip. Flowers emerge from a green sheath and there are usually three or four at a time. Unfortunately, the flowers are short-lived.
Bloom Season: Spring, Summer (June to August).
Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm
Additional Information: Laelia tenebrosa is quite showy with striking flowers and is closely related to Laelia purpurata and Laelia xanthina. The plant and flowers show a close affinity to several of the unifoliate Cattleya species.
There are several awarded clones available for purchase. This species has been extensively used to create yellow and art shade Cattleya hybrids.
This is what it is supposed to look like:
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Here are my plants (2 actually!) after being potted:
