Laelia sp.

Laelia is one of the most important and popular orchid genera, because of the beautiful flowers, their genetic properties and because they are fairly easy in culture.

Laelia species readily form hybrids within the genus, and with other genera, including Cattleya, Brassavola, and Rhyncholaelia as x Brassolaeliocattleya, x Laeliocattleya, x Sophrolaeliocattleya.

Lepanthes sp.

Lepanthes sp., commonly referred to as Babyboot orchid, is a genus of short, flowering plants native to the forests of Central and South America. Grown in USDA Zones 9-11, they are small shrubs typically reaching no higher than 5 ft in height. Lepanthes thrive in light shade areas and semi-shade environments, making them a great choice for terrarium-keepers and anyone looking to spruce up the dappled shade areas of the garden. However, some species are epiphytes, meaning that they are adapted for growing on trees and need to be planted within bark mounted onto a board in order to simulate the natural setting.

Lepanthes sp. flourishes in moist conditions and require regular watering. In hot and dry areas, it is best to increase the watering frequency or use a humidity dome/shelter during germination and growing stages. Certain species may require a cold shock, dip the plugs in water for a couple of hours, before planting to trigger embryonic development.

These small shrubs display an array of amazing colors, boasting pink, white, off-white, yellow, orange and crimson to vinous red flowers. The foliage of the species sports attractively patterned foliage with a certain pop of both richness and hue. The unique foliage makes them an ideal choice for decoration and display purposes.

Lepanthes are relatively hardy plants, however, special care needs to be taken if grown in cold hardiness zones. The plants need to be kept warm and humid in the winter months, prune deciduous tips in order to protect them from winter frost. During colder months, they should be placed in sheltered areas of the garden, or indoors if necessary. Allow their soils to dry between watering, and water carefully, making sure that the plant is never overwatered, especially if kept in warm and slightly humid environments.

Ludisia discolor, Haemaria discolor, Anoectochilus dawsonianus, Myoda rufescens

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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The flowers of Ludisia discolor are borne both singly and in clusters of two or three, and are generally pink, white, or off-white in color. Each flower is characterized by its bell shape and a yellow center. It is a low-growing groundcover, often reaching no greater than 2ft in height, which makes it a great choice to plant in containers or underneath trees and shrubs. Its foliage is also a great ornamental feature, boasting eye-catching metallic stripes and a shiny, almost glass-like surface.

When it comes to growing Ludisia discolor, the plant does best in warm temperatures and in areas with moderate moisture levels. It is also an epiphyte, meaning it can also grow in semi-shade as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight. However, in colder regions, where temperatures can dip as low as 30s F, the plant must be grown in a pot, preferably in the porch or any other sheltered area. In these conditions, the soil should be kept moist in winter, but not overly wet, and care should be taken to consistently apply a balanced liquid fertilizer.

In conclusion, Ludisia discolor is an attractive and low-maintenance plant that's great for a wide range of climates. Its bright, fragrant flowers and ornamental foliage add a touch of elegance to any garden. Plus, it's easy to look after and can even tolerate cold temperatures for a short time, making it an excellent choice for colder climates.

Lycaste sp.

Lycaste is a genus of orchids that contains about 30 species with egg-shaped pseudobulbs and thin, plicate (pleated) leaves. Some Lycaste blooms have a unique fragrance - the scent of Lyc. aromatica has been variously described as cinnamon or clove.

Macodes sp.

Macodes is one of a few genera of the orchid family known as Jewel Orchids.

These terrestrial orchids grows in the rainforest floor of Southeast Asia with high humidity and low light.

Masdevallia sp.

Masdevallia plants are small shrubs, growing to a maximum height of 2-5 ft. They bloom with beautiful and unusual colors both in white, off-white and more typical colors such as pink and red and crimson. They also produce an impressive array of yellow, orange and vinous flowers that make these plants highly desirable.

These plants are quite easy to grow and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. They need to be in a location with partial shade or some semi-shade and protective cover to keep the cool temperatures. While in their native environment, these plants are epiphytes and are found in rocks, trees, and even in coastal sand.

Regular water is essential for the success of Masdevallia plants. The plants need a high level of humidity and regular misting and soaking in tepid water will help. When growing Masdevallia in cold climates with temperatures dropping below freezing, the plants must either be grown in pots or the roots should be protected with a heavy layer of mulch. In these regions, regular watering should still be provided and it is suggested that the pot should be stored in an area with better temperature control.

Extra mulch and compost should be added to the soil to help with moisture retention as the cool temperatures will very easily suck all the moisture out of the soil. Fertilizer may need to be given to the plant every two to three weeks to ensure proper growth and the plant should be monitored for pests and diseases.

To sum it up, Masdevallia is a small shrub that needs to be grown in cool temperatures in partial, semi-shade light with regular watering and misting to ensure success. In colder regions, the plants need to be given some extra protection from the cold with mulch and compost and a controlled environment. With proper care, Masdevallia will make any garden more beautiful with its unique color palette and delicate cascading flowers.

Maxillaria ecuadorensis

Found in wet montane forest of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru at elevations of 500 to 2700 meters.

Plant require semi-dry rest through the winter month.

Maxillaria lepidota

Found in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador in high cool lower cloud forests at elevations of 47 to 4100 meters.

Maxillaria porrecta, Maxillaria brunnea

Found from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Venezuela in rain and cloud forests as a variable sized epiphyte that occurs at elevations of 200 to 2100 meters.

Miltonia sp.

Miltonia species have large and long lasting flowers, often in multifloral inflorescences. This fact, allied to being species that are easy to grow and to identify, make them a favorite of orchid collectors all over the world. Species of this genus are extensively used to produce artificial hybrids.

x Bakerara abbreviated Bak. is the nothogenus for intergeneric hybrids between the orchid genera Brassia, Miltonia and Odontoglossum

Burrageara is the nothogenus for intergeneric hybrids between the orchid genera Cochlioda, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Oncidium.

× Beallara, abbreviated Bllra. in the horticultural trade is the nothogenus for intergeneric hybrids between the orchid genera Brassia, Cochlioda, Miltonia and Odontoglossum.

× Miltassia abbreviated Mtssa. in the horticultural trade, is the nothogenus for intergeneric hybrids between the orchid genera Brassia and Miltonia.