Liparis swenssonii

Also known as: Swenson's Liparis or Liparis reflexa var. parviflora The Northern Tom Cats in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Australia

General Information

Swenson's Liparis is a cold to warm growing epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Australia. It is named after the First Australian collector of species late in the 19th century early in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic leaves

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn and Winter

Fragrance

The fragrance can be described as akin and unpleasant

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Winter

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 low to high elevations.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.