My new Tolumnia orchids - Orchid Board

smartie2000 · #1 03-01-2008, 04:01 AM

I bought three Tolumia orchids this years OSA orchid show, from Orchids in Our Tropics. They are also known as the equitant oncidiums (equitant describing their overlapping leaf arrangement, like those of an iris). They have somewhat succulent leaves, are miniature and have no visible pseudobulbs and grow drier than other oncidiums. They are excellent space savers! I have them growing in mame bonsai pots with sphag. Also they can rebloom from the same spike so don't cut them.

Tolumnia Irene Gleason ‘Golden Sunset’

Tolumnia Sniffen is about to bloom too. I wonder what colour this one will be. I'll post it later

GreggC · #2 03-01-2008, 06:36 AM

Tolumnia variegata is in bloom for me as we speak.

Ross · #3 03-01-2008, 10:03 AM

I agree Tolumnias are way cool. I have a small species one in the orchidarium and three others upstairs. T. Jairak Rainbow and Sniffen (Irene Gleason x Golden Sunset) are in spike - to bloom soon.

FinnBar · #4 03-01-2008, 02:35 PM

I'm curious, how much light are they getting?

Ross · #5 03-01-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinnBar

I'm curious, how much light are they getting?

If you asking about mine, the upstairs ones are in south window with supplemental CF lights. I measure maybe 8,000 lux from bulbs plus whatever the sun provides. The one in my tank is getting approx 15,000-20,000 lux and has reddish tinged leaves. I can't move the others into the tank because they are too large. Tolumnias can take pretty bright light and don't like lots of water. They are pretty drought tolerant.

flhiker · #6 03-01-2008, 02:54 PM

Awesome Quickly becoming one of my favorites

FinnBar · #7 03-01-2008, 04:47 PM

Thanks Ross, iwas wondering how they might do under lights only.

Ross · #8 03-01-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinnBar

Thanks Ross, iwas wondering how they might do under lights only.

So far in my experience, better than in natural light. Just my situation and conditions. Wish I could move more of the high light spp under my tank lights. Well, one day

GreggC · #9 03-01-2008, 06:11 PM

fluorescents. Part of one of the grow carts. It's doing fine.

smartie2000 · #10 04-14-2008, 11:35 PM

My Tolumnia Sniffen bloomed, I didn't wait till all 9 buds open to photograph. I didn't know I was buying two plants so similar at the time. Sniffen has a rounder lip, larger blooms and taller spike though. I think this one is has a brighter yellow too. I searched Sniffen = Golden Sunset x Irene Gleason, so no wonder they are so similar.

The other one has branched its spike and is budding a second time