Tolumnia calochila

Also known as: The Beautiful Lip Tolumnia or Oncidium calochilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Beautiful Lip Tolumnia is a miniature warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous terete shaped leaves

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 36mm to 185mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 79% to 87%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 18C to 31C, highest in July (22C to 31C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

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,