Bollea lawrenceana

Bollea lawrenceana is a spectacular cloud forest orchid from Colombia and Ecuador, admired for its large, intensely coloured violet-blue flowers and beautifully patterned white lip. Considered one of the finest species within the Oncidiinae alliance, it is highly prized by collectors for both its striking blooms and relative rarity in cultivation.

Mature plants produce elegant arching flower spikes bearing several broad, waxy flowers that can last for many weeks. Given cool, humid conditions and good air movement, this species develops into a rewarding specimen that produces increasingly impressive floral displays with age.

Care

• Light: Bright filtered light with protection from direct afternoon sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during active growth, allowing the media to become only slightly dry between waterings.
• Temperature: Cool to intermediate conditions (10–24°C).
• Humidity: Prefers 60–80% humidity with excellent air movement.
• Growing Media: Fine to medium orchid bark with added sphagnum moss or perlite to retain moisture while remaining free-draining.
• Feeding: Feed regularly with a balanced orchid fertiliser during active growth, reducing during winter.

Key Characteristics

• Rare species native to the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador
• Large violet-blue flowers with broad segments
• Broad white lip heavily marked with violet and yellow
• Produces elegant arching flower spikes
• Flowers are long-lasting and lightly fragrant
• Flowering season: Spring to early summer
• Compact to medium-sized plant with attractive pseudobulbs
• Highly sought-after collector's orchid

Winter Care

Bollea lawrenceana does not require a true winter dormancy. Growth slows naturally during the cooler months, so reduce watering slightly while ensuring the growing media never dries completely. Maintain good humidity, bright filtered light and excellent air movement throughout winter. Resume regular watering and feeding as new growth commences in spring.