Tolumnia Pralor 'Genting' in bloom

[Bud]

Tolumnia or Equitant Oncidiums are compact growers where leaves seldom exceed 6 inches long and two factors I discovered in growing this: good air circulation and never over water it. This miniature usually potted in a 3" to 4" pot that is enough size to make a specimen plant. This mini makes it very desirable for those who have limited growing space and perfect for east facing windows or shaded south facing windows. Flowers usually bloom from fall to spring but can also bloom year-round. Another interesting fact: the flowers look like "Dancing Ladies," this is because the lip of the flowers resembles skirts. This plant is at least 2-3 years old and very well established. Given to me as a gift by ‘Zoroaster’ a member of this board, yet I also found this orchid plant sold by Kawamoto Orchids and somebody named Kaina posted the exact flower on Google. These tiny ‘Dancing Lady’ orchids are endemic to the Caribbean and surrounding areas, including the Bahamas, Cuba, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Formerly known as ‘Equitant’ Oncidiums this informal growing group loves warm balmy weather and bright shaded light. These orchids have no pseudobulb to store water, so I give it a liberal watering then I let it dry out overnight. There is a rule of thumb= “if in doubt, don’t water” that applies to this orchid. I read some advice from a fellow member not to cut off the spike after the first blooms fade. There is often a secondary spike waiting to form and branch out to provide several more weeks of bloom. I feed this weekly weakly K-lite fertilizer and seaweed mix but since it is winter I stopped fertilizer until spring or when new growths appear.

[jkofferdahl]

That's beautiful! A few decades ago I made numerous attempts with these but was never successful. I'm going to have to try again!

[Bud]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

That's beautiful! A few decades ago I made numerous attempts with these but was never successful. I'm going to have to try again!

Thank you for your kind words!
Your area is conducive to grow these miniatures. Just don't let them feel frost. The humidity factor in the warmer months in your zone is good for them.

[charlesf6]

What kind of hanger is that on the clay pot in the 2nd photo? ..oh a beautiful plant and very nice write up on it also!

[Pattywack]

Oh how pretty! I really like Tolumnia they are so small and the blooms have such gorgeous color. I have a jairak flyer "fantastic" and it is flowering for the first time for me. The deep red looks like velvet, even the buds are gorgeous.

I bought mine last spring from Hausermans along with a red barry that has yet to bloom.

Your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[estación seca]

jk, grow them mounted. They will love it. I suspect people who have trouble don't give enough light, or don't water mounted ones enough, or overwater/overpot potted ones.

[Dollythehun]

Thank you for the care instructions! Beautiful plant!

[Tindomul]

That is a real beauty!! Great info too, but are they fragrant?

I never had luck with Oncidiums or Tolumnias, they are now missing from my collection. I think I overwatered them.

[estación seca]

Oncidiums and their hybrids, and Tolumnias have very different care requirements. Oncidiums like to stay moist. Tolumnias don't. Tolumnias like much more light than most Oncidiums.

[3rdMaestro]

As far as I know, tolumnia are not fragrant. Never run into one that is. If someone knows of a fragrant one, let us know