Tolumnia Orchid Mixed Colours 210

Tolumnia orchids thrive in conditions that mimic their native Caribbean habitat, emphasizing bright light and a quick wet/dry cycle for their roots. 

Light: They need bright, indirect light, similar to Cattleya orchids but less than full sun. East or west-facing windows are ideal, with sheer curtains used to diffuse harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Watering: The key is a wet/dry cycle. Water thoroughly in the morning, then allow the roots or potting medium to dry out completely before watering again. This may mean daily watering for mounted plants or every 1-2 days for potted ones, depending on your home's conditions.

Humidity & Temperature: Maintain humidity levels between 50% and 80% with good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Ideal daytime temperatures are 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F), with slightly cooler nights being beneficial.

Potting Media: Tolumnias prefer very open, well-draining media such as coarse bark or charcoal. They are often grown mounted on bark slabs, which replicates their natural environment and ensures excellent drainage and airflow.

Fertilizing: Use a diluted, balanced orchid fertilizer monthly. A high-nitrogen formula (like 30-10-10) should be used during active growth, switching to a bloom-booster (10-30-20) as flower spikes form.