Tolumnia compressicaulis

Also known as: The Compressed Callus Tolumnia or Oncidium compressicaule in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Compressed Callus Tolumnia is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 0.8-12.5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.5-1cm. The plant forms clusters over time

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 213mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 2C to 20C, highest in August (7C to 20C) and lowest in January (2C to 18C).

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,