Tolumnia orchid

The Tolumnia orchid is a miniature plant from the orchid family (Orchidaceae), known for its compactness and abundant flowering. The Tolumnia genus includes about 30 species and many hybrids that are appreciated for bright flowers resembling the wings of butterflies. These orchids are popular among flower growers due to their decorativeness, a variety of forms and relative ease of care.

Etymology of the name

The name of the genus Tolumnia comes from the ancient Greek name of Tolumniy, which is allegedly associated with the names of the characters of mythology. Initially, the plants of this genus were attributed to the genus oncidium, but in 1986 an independent genus of TOLUMNIA was highlighted, based on specific morphological differences.

Life form

Tolumnia is an epiphytic plant, which means that in natural conditions it grows on trees, attaching to the bark with the help of air roots. This allows it to use moisture and nutrients from the environment, including rain water and organic substances that settled on the bark.

This life form makes Tolumnia resistant to short-term droughts, which is especially important in its natural habitat - in the tropical forests of the Caribbean. In conditions of indoor content, its roots require special care to maintain the ability to actively absorb moisture.

Family

Tolumnia belongs to the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants, including more than 28,000 species. Representatives of this family are distinguished by complex flowers and unique pollination mechanisms.

A feature of the family is symbiosis with mycorrhic fungi, necessary for the successful germination of seeds. Tolumnia, like other orchids, demonstrates adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Botanical characteristics

Tolumnia is a miniature plant 10-15 cm high. The leaves are narrow, linear, dense, collected in sockets. Flowers with a diameter of about 2-3 cm are located on thin peduncles reaching a length of up to 50 cm. Flowering is usually plentiful, with 10-15 flowers on one peduncle.

Airy roots, covered with venamine, which allows the plant to effectively absorb moisture from the air. The flowers can be painted in bright shades of red, yellow, white or purple, often with spots or patterns.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of the plant includes anthocyans, which are responsible for the bright color of flowers, as well as polysaccharides and organic acids that provide protection against pathogens and adverse conditions.

Origin

Tolumniy comes from the Caribbean, including the islands of Kuba, Yamaika, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Its natural habitat is wet tropical forests, where plants are found on trees in high humidity conditions.

The cultural distribution of Tolumnia began due to its decorative qualities. Today it is grown around the world as an indoor plant, especially in regions with a soft climate.

The ease of growing

Tolumnia is considered a relatively unpretentious orchid if its main needs are observed. She prefers bright diffused light, high humidity and the correct watering mode.

When growing, it is important to use a suitable substrate that provides fast drainage and good aeration. It is recommended to place Tolumnia in the suspended baskets or on the blocks so that the roots are obtained sufficiently an amount of air.

Types, varieties

Among the types of Tolumnia, Tolumnia guannsis is most famous,

Tolumnia variegata and

Tolumnia bahamensis.

Hybrids such as Tolumnia Jairak Flyer are also popular and

Tolumnia Pink Panther, characterized by bright and unusual colors of flowers.

Size

The size of Tolumnia is miniature: its height rarely exceeds 15 cm, which makes it convenient for keeping even in limited space. The peduncle, on the contrary, can reach 50 cm, which gives the plant an elegant appearance.

Flowers with a diameter of 2-3 cm look relatively large for such a compact plant. This makes Tolumnia a bright accent in the interior.

Growth intensity

Tolumnia has a moderate growth rate. Over the year, the plant forms 1-2 new sockets that can bloom when reached maturity.

Optimal conditions, such as good lighting and regular care, contribute to faster development. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging, which can slow down growth.

Life expectancy

Tolumnia is a long-lived plant. With proper care, it can delight owners with flowering for decades. Regular rejuvenation associated with the separation of sockets extends its viability.

In natural conditions, life expectancy can be reduced due to competition and unstable environmental conditions. However, in culture, it demonstrates high stability.

Temperature

Tolumnia prefers moderate temperatures in the range of 18–28 ° C. It tolerates short-term temperature increase if sufficient air humidity is provided.

Night temperature differences (5–7 ° C) stimulate flowering, which is especially important for home conditions of content.

Humidity

Air humidity for Tolumnia should be 50–70%. In conditions of reduced humidity, it is necessary to spray the roots regularly, especially on hot days.

Excess moisture can lead to rotting of the roots, so it is important to maintain a balance between humidity and ventilation.

Lighting and placement in the room

Tolumnia needs a bright diffused light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight that can cause burns of leaves. The optimal place is eastern or western windows with an additional shade of noon.

The placement of the plant in suspended baskets or on blocks provides roots with sufficient air access. When growing in a pot, it is important to use transparent containers to control the condition of the roots.

Soil and substrate

For the successful cultivation of the Tolumniy orchid, it is recommended to use a specialized substrate that provides good drainage and aeration. The optimal composition of the mixture includes:

• Large bark of coniferous trees (60%);
• Moch-sphagnum (20%);
• Perlite or small expanded clay (10%);
• Charcoal (10%).

The recommended PH of the substrate is 5.5–6.5, which corresponds to a slightly acidic environment. To prevent stagnation of water, it is important to provide high-quality drainage: a layer of expanded clay or pebbles 2-3 cm high is laid on the bottom of the pot.

Watering

In the summer, Tolumniya needs abundant but rare watering. It is recommended to completely immerse the roots of the plant in soft, slightly warm water for 10-15 minutes, and then let the excess water drain. Watering is carried out once every 5-7 days, depending on the temperature and humidity.

In the winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to once every 10-14 days, avoiding waterlogging of the substrate. Water should be at room temperature and necessarily detached. The roots should be slightly dried between irrigation to prevent decay.

Fertilizer and top dressing

For feeding Tolumnia, water-soluble fertilizers for orchids with a low concentration of nitrogen are suitable. It is important to choose complexes with trace elements, including magnesium, iron and calcium.

Fertilizer is applied along with watering, diluting it with water in a concentration of 1/4 from the recommended by the manufacturer. Frequency fertile - every 2 weeks during active growth and flowering. In winter, top dressing is reduced to once a month or completely stopped.

Propagation

The optimal time for the propagation of Tolumnia is spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Propagation is best carried out to the flowering period.

The most common propagation method is the division of adult plants in which sockets with 3-4 leaves and roots are separated. The seed method is used less often, as it requires sterile conditions and mycorrhic symbiosis for germination.

Bloom

Tolumnia blooms abundantly, releasing peduncles up to 50 cm long, on which up to 15 bright flowers bloom. Flowering lasts from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the conditions of content.

After the flowering is completed, the peduncles can be left, as they are able to form repeated flowering. However, if the plant is not restored, the peduncle is cut at the base.

Seasonal features

In the spring-summer period, Tolumnia requires increased watering and regular top dressing, as this is the time of active growth and flowering. In winter, the plant goes into a rest state, requiring a reduction in watering and reducing temperature.

In the fall, it is important to begin to gradually reduce the amount of water in order to prepare the plant for wintering. This helps to avoid stress and maintain the health of the roots.

Features of care

Tolumonia is sensitive to water quality. It is recommended to use soft, filtered or rain water. To maintain high humidity (50–70%), it is useful to use a humidifier or place a pallet with water next to the plant.

Regular ventilation of the room is important to prevent rot and pests. However, avoid drafts that can damage the leaves.

Home

For growing Tolumnia at home, it is important to choose a brightly lit place, but without direct sunlight. Windows with eastern or western orientation are ideal.

Pots or baskets for plants should be transparent to observe the condition of the roots. If you grow Tolumnia on the blocks, provide sufficient humidity and frequent spraying of the roots.

Transfer

For Tolumnia, it is better to use small plastic or ceramic pots with numerous drainage holes. The size of the pot is chosen so that the root system fills the container.

The transplant is carried out once every 2-3 years or as the substrate decomposes. The best time for transplantation is spring, before the start of active growth.

Trimming and the formation of the crown

Tolumnia does not require pruning in the classical sense, but faded peduncles remove if they do not give new buds. The leaves are cut only if damage or diseases occur.

To maintain decorativeness, old, damaged or dry roots are removed.

Possible problems and their solution

Tolumnia is subject to fungal diseases due to waterlogging. Prevention is moderate watering and good ventilation.

Lack of light leads to stretching the leaves and lack of flowering. The yellowness of the leaves indicates sunburn or waterlogging.

Pests

The main pests of Tolumnia are a spider mite, a shield and tripps. For struggle, insecticides are used, for example, based on pyrethroides.

Regular spraying and maintaining high humidity prevent the appearance of pests.

Cleaning air

Tolumnia, like many orchids, helps to purify the air of harmful substances, including formaldehyde and benzene. This makes it a useful element of the interior, especially in urban conditions.

Safety

Tolumnia is not a toxic plant and is safe for children and pets. However, an individual allergic reaction to pollen or plant juice is possible.

Wintering

During wintering, the plant requires a decrease in temperature to 16–18 ° C and a reduction in watering. This contributes to preparation for the spring growth and flowering.

Useful properties

In addition to decorative qualities, Tolumnia has a positive effect on the microclimate of the room, increasing air humidity.

Use in traditional medicine

Although in traditional medicine, Tolumniya is not widely used, in folk recipes it is sometimes used to create decorative compositions with medicinal herbs.

Use in landscape design

Tolumnia is ideal for creating vertical gardens and suspended compositions. Its compact dimensions and bright flowers make it popular in decorating terraces and balconies.

Compatibility with other plants

Tolumnia goes well with other epiphytic plants, such as phalaenopsis and oncidiums. Its compact size allows you to combine it with large views without prejudice to space.

Conclusion

Tolumnia is a unique plant that combines decorativeness, unpretentiousness and environmental advantages. With the correct care, it will become an adornment of any interior and bring joy to its owners.