Liparis reflexa - Tom Cat Orchid

Liparis reflexa is a terrestrial orchid native to eastern Australia, with a natural range extending from southern Queensland through New South Wales and into Victoria. It grows in sheltered forests, often in moist leaf litter or among grasses in shaded gullies, where humidity remains high and soils are rich in organic matter.

The plant produces a pair of glossy, pleated leaves that emerge from small pseudobulbs at ground level. The leaves are lanceolate and arching, usually 10–20 cm long, forming the base from which the flowering stem arises. This foliage is deciduous, with new growth emerging annually alongside the development of fresh pseudobulbs.

Flowering occurs in spring to early summer, when slender racemes bear numerous small, pale green to yellowish flowers. The lip is reflexed, curving backwards beneath the column, which is a distinctive feature of this species. Pollination is usually carried out by small insects attracted to the flowers’ shape and colour, and the plant sets tiny capsules that release dust-like seeds typical of orchids.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers dappled or filtered light, similar to the conditions of a shaded forest floor.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during the growing season, reducing slightly after flowering when foliage begins to die back.
• Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity for best growth, especially during active leaf and flower production.
• Media: Grow in a well-draining terrestrial orchid mix with leaf litter, fine bark, and perlite.
• Fertiliser: Apply a diluted orchid fertiliser every two weeks during active growth; reduce feeding once leaves begin to senesce.
• Temperature: Best between 15–25 °C. Protect from frost but tolerate cool winter nights if kept drier.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years after dormancy, refreshing the mix and dividing pseudobulbs if needed.