Tolumnia bahamensis

Also known as: Oncidium variegatum ssp. bahamense Oncidium bahamense Tolumnia bahamense Tolumnia adamsii Oncidium variegatum var. bahamense in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Tolumnia bahamensis is a miniature cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 5-10cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, rigid leaves that grow to 1-10cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.4-0.9cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 43mm to 254mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 74% to 81%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 14C to 31C, highest in August (25C to 31C) and lowest in January (14C to 23C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.