Mayflower orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mayflower orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Laelia
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| Species: |
speciosa
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The Laelia speciosa, also known as the Mayflower orchid, is a beautiful type of orchid. You can find it growing in the mountains of Mexico. These orchids live at high places, from about 1,400 to 2,400 meters (4,600 to 7,900 feet) above sea level.
This plant is very tough! It can handle dry weather and different temperatures, from cool to warm. The Mayflower orchid blooms from summer to fall. Its flowers are very pretty and smell wonderful. Usually, each plant has three or four flowers on a single stem. People who love orchids really want this plant because of its amazing, fragrant flowers. The flowers are often bigger than the plant itself!
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Growing Mayflower Orchids
It's not too hard to grow Mayflower orchids if you know what they need. They like a lot of light and a good amount of moisture in the air all year round. You can grow them in pots with large pieces of bark. But they do best when they are attached to a piece of wood that won't rot. This is called "mounting" them.
Even though these orchids grow in dry oak forests, the air around them is usually quite humid. They can survive in less humid places, but their roots won't grow well. Also, new parts of the plant might get smaller each year. If they don't get enough light and humidity, they might not grow or wake up from their resting period.
Watering Your Orchid
It's very important not to water these orchids from December through April. If you water them during this time, they might not flower. Too much water can also make their roots rot and the plant get sick.
During this dry, resting time, the older parts of the plant (called pseudobulbs) might shrink. But the newest pseudobulbs will stay firm. You can start watering the plant again when you see a flower spike starting to grow. If the plant doesn't show flowers by April, you should still start watering it. It might bloom the next year instead. Sometimes, younger plants or those that didn't get enough light might not flower every year.
Light and Temperature Needs
Mayflower orchids need a lot of bright light. They also like a cool rest during the winter months. When they are actively growing, they need plenty of water and food. But make sure the plant dries out completely between waterings.
These orchids also need good air movement around their roots. They don't like it when it's too hot. If the temperature is too high or the air is too dry, they might stop growing and go into a resting period.
Types of Mayflower Orchids
There is a special type of Mayflower orchid called 'Alba'. This variety has flowers that are completely white.
See also
In Spanish: Laelia speciosa para niños
