Liparis bowkeri

Also known as: Bowker's Liparis or Liparis neglecta Liparis purseglovei Liparis ruwenzoriensis Leptorkis gerardii Liparis gerrardii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Burundi Ethiopia Kenya Malawi Rwanda Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

General Information

Bowker's Liparis is a cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is named after the Mrs. Barber nee Bowker South African Orchid Painter later in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,