Tolumnia borinquinensis

Native to: Puerto Rico

General Information

Tolumnia borinquinensis is a miniature cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Puerto Rico.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.6-28cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.6-14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.2-0.5cm

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 168mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 74% to 80%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 27C, highest in August (21C to 27C) and lowest in February (18C to 24C).

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,