Japanese name: レリオカトレア Scientific name:×Laeliocattleya
[Overview]
An artificial genus registered in 1863, created by crossing Cattleya and Laelia.
An evergreen perennial that combines the large flowers of Cattleya with the rich flower colors and fine flower form of Laelia.
The flowers are terminal, borne singly or several together, and the base of the flower stalk is wrapped in a leaf sheath.
The base of the lip curves inward to enclose the column, so the lip as a whole is funnel-shaped.
There are very many hybrids, which are used as cut flowers and potted plants.
[Cultivation]
It is generally grown in unglazed clay pots, planted in sphagnum moss or bark.
A winter minimum temperature of 15 degrees is desirable.
Poor ventilation makes scale insects more likely, so care is needed.
[Notes]
The abbreviation of the genus name is "Lc."
In the orchid family, where intergeneric hybrids are numerous, abbreviations of the major genus names are sometimes set to simplify hybrid formulas and prevent confusion.
Most are now placed in the genus Cattleya.
