Tolumnia Trouble

[KennethCO21]

I had a Tolumnia mounted on a log and i had it for about 4 months and all seemed well until the eldest fans leaves all fell off, since then i have had it on a humidity tray and water it everyday and the leaves are still thin, the roots kakhi and thin. today i moved it onto a thinner stick and paded it with moss, small wood chips and secured it with white cotton. I am going to soak it for the whole day.

can anyone advise on a solution this angst and a watering program. i live in a hot, dry area ( situated on the highveld plateau, and has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb). The city enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months (October to April) characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months (May to September) by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights)

all help will be much appreciated

[78Terp]

Can you post a picture or 2?

[KennethCO21]

Sure

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[JDT]

Harvey knows more about this species then I do, good luck!

[catttan]

First of all, welcome from Malaysia.I'm sorry I can't offer much help re Tolumnia. I have killed more Tolumnia than any of the genera I have grown. I first started to grow Tolumnia in the mid 1960s, when they were still classified as equitant Oncidium. They seem to do well and bloom for a while (the longest being 3 years ) and for no apparent reason they just up and died. My last batch was in 2012 and I haven't attempted to grow any more since. I know of at least 3 commercial nurseries here that have their collection wiped out in the hundreds.BTW your specimen looks healthy enough and I wish you luck in growing thisbeautiful orchid.

[78Terp]

Mine 3 Tolumnia sit in the warmest part of my house. Mostly warm to hot, I think. Winter is a bit cooler but I heat for orchid comfort during the winter. It is only a few degrees cooler then.

I water most of the year 2 times a week. During the summer, I water the Tolumnia daily, like a thunderstorm, a quick splash of water and nutrients. Been known to make thunder sounds doing it.

I am potted in bark and one of mine is having some trouble now, but I recently repotted and it was one that should have been repotted sooner. So I believe any problems are related to that. The other 2 are doing fine. One is still in bloom. It has been blooming almost constantly since August. I keep expecting it to finish but no, more blooms. But this time, I really think it is blooming its last blooms until a new fan grows.

[ksriramkumar]

Tolumnia grow great if you try to simulate their natural habitat. They are twig orchids. In their habitat, they get thunder storms every day and is quite windy and gets dried out soon. Grow them in a media that does stay wet for long. Mounted option is good idea and add very less moss in the root zone , Water it copiously every day and keep in a windy area.

[KennethCO21]

Tolumnia grow great if you try to simulate their natural habitat. They are twig orchids. In their habitat, they get thunder storms every day and is quite windy and gets dried out soon. Grow them in a media that does stay wet for long. Mounted option is good idea and add very less moss in the root zone , Water it copiously every day and keep in a windy area.

- Are you saying i should remove some moss from my specimen?

[ksriramkumar]

Well it depends on your environment..roots should not be wet too long. It should dry out within an hour or so.

[KennethCO21]

Thank you all for your help.