Brown widelip orchid (Liparis liliifolia) is a wild orchid that is native to eastern regions of North America. Commonly found growing in moisture-rich forests and woodlands it has lily-like leaves and reddish-purple flowers that bloom from spring to summer. Not suitable for home gardens or container planting.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Liparis liliifolia, known as the brown widelip orchid, lily-leaved twayblade, large twayblade, and mauve sleekwort.
It is native to eastern Canada (Quebec and Ontario) and the eastern United States. In the eastern United States, it is found in the Appalachians, Ozarks, the Great Lakes region, and the Ohio and Upper Mississippi Valleys, but not the southern coastal plains. The orchid’s habitat is in forests, shrublands, thickets, woodlands, and mountains. The highest altitude that the plant can be found in mountains is 4,200 feet (1,300 m). While the plant is considered globally secure, it is rare or endangered in many northeastern states due to declining populations. It can be commonly found throughout much of its range.
One of the orchid’s common names, lily-leaved twayblade, comes from the plant having two connected basal leaves. The leaves are light green, smooth, oval shaped, and have a partial mid-rib. Its delicate flowers are mauve or purple, arranged on a 4–10-inch (100–250 mm) tall stem in a loose cluster, and total up to 31 flowers.
The petals and sepals are long, thin, and often droop. Its flowers can be green, but it is a rare occurrence. Each flower has a labellum that is wide, flat, and nearly translucent. The labellum is pale purple and has darker veins.
The fruit is smaller than the pedicels. Its seeds can only germinate and grow with a specific mycorrhizal fungus that can be found across its range. It has been debated over decades whether liliifolia should have a single or two consecutive i’s, although the correct spelling has now been shown to be liliifolia by botanist Bernard Boivin.
The plant is pollinated by flies, potentially including the species Pegoplata juvenilis. It has been speculated that unspecialized insects have pollinated the orchid. The North American Orchid Center has stated that it is possible for insects with either long legs or mouthparts to pollinate its flowers. Threats to the orchid include flooding caused by beavers, swamp habitat being drained, and insecticides that kill the flies which pollinate the plant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Brown widelip orchid requires a balance between moisture and well-draining growing conditions to mimic its natural woodland habitat. Special care must be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, which is a common issue. To thrive, brown widelip orchid also needs dappled light rather than direct sunlight, as excessive exposure can damage the leaves and stress the plant.
Sunlight
Brown widelip orchid thrives best in conditions of partial sun, where it receives a balance of light and shade throughout the day. This ensures that the plant gets enough light for photosynthesis without the risk of scorching, characteristic of more delicate orchids.
Deviating from these optimal conditions by exposing brown widelip orchid to full sun can lead to stress, impaired growth, and a decline in health. Brown widelip orchid has adapted to dimmer forest understories; thus a dappled light environment mimics its natural habitat. For outdoor growth, placing a brown widelip orchid in a spot with filtered light, like beneath a canopy of larger plants, is ideal. These lighting conditions help brown widelip orchid flourish by maintaining the vibrant green of its leaves and supporting the development of its distinctive flowers.
Temperature
Orchid plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm, moist conditions. Optimum growth temperatures are between 18 to 28 ℃, and it’s best if there is a certain difference in temperature between day and night: for example, 20 to 25 ℃ during the day and 15 to 18 ℃ at night. Brown widelip orchid is a drought-tolerant plant, but cannot tolerate waterlogging, and grows well at 50-70% humidity. If the leaf tips are withered, it means the environment is too dry. Use a humidifier or spray bottle to increase the air humidity.
Watering
Thriving in the humid understory of forests, brown widelip orchid has adapted to consistent moisture levels in its native environment. This species exhibits a preference for steady humidity and is moderately drought-tolerant. Care should include watering every week to mimic these conditions. As an orchid commonly grown indoors, brown widelip orchid benefits from higher humidity levels which can be achieved by placing the pot on a water-filled pebble tray, ensuring that it never sits in stagnant water but enjoys the evaporative moisture.
Soil
The “soil” required for brown widelip orchid is special because, as an epiphyte, it originally grew on big trees in tropical forests. You need to mimic this growing environment with, for example, water moss, wood chips, coconut shells, volcanic stones, or perlite as soil substrate. You can also buy orchid-specific soil directly from gardening stores.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, brown widelip orchid flourishes with balanced nutrition fertilizers, containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize monthly during the growing season, spring through fall. Use a quarter-strength dilution to prevent root burn and nutrient overload. Avoid winter fertilization as brown widelip orchid enters dormancy. Monitor for signs of over-fertilization like salt buildup and scorched leaves. Adapting to brown widelip orchid’s specific needs ensures healthy, robust growth and vibrant blooms.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow an brown widelip orchid as it won’t produce a vigorous root system that occupies much space. If the pot is too large, the soil tends to collect water and cause root rot. The height of the pot should be 2.5 cm taller than the (pseudo)bulb of the brown widelip orchid. You can easily buy brown widelip orchid in a local gardening store and simply place it in a breathable, well-drained substrate. After planting, use upright sticks to support flowering branches. In warm, humid climates, cover the root of brown widelip orchid with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted brown widelip orchid flowers promptly after blooming to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption and promote more blooms. Trim withered and diseased leaves promptly to increase air circulation, thus reducing pests and diseases.
Propagation
A member of the Orchidaceae family, brown widelip orchid thrives through division, a propagation method well-suited to its growth habits. To replicate a brown widelip orchid, carefully separate pseudobulbs during the plant’s dormant period, ensuring each division has several growth points. The divisions should then be potted in a mix conducive to orchid growth, typically porous and well-draining, to foster robust root development. Consistent moisture and indirect light will support the newly propagated brown widelip orchid in establishing itself successfully.
Transplanting
Transplant brown widelip orchid in the season of new beginnings—the period between the vernal equinox and summer solstice—when mild temperatures support root establishment. Ensure a shady location with well-draining soil, and keep root disturbance minimal to promote seamless acclimatization.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display brown widelip orchid flowers in vases, harvest there are only 2-3 flowers blooming on the stem. Cut diagonally at the bottom of the flower stem, and place it in a vase immediately. You can enjoy the cut flower in clean water for about 14 days, or for a longer time with preservatives.
