Tolumnia hawkesiana

Also known as: Hawkes Tolumnia or Oncidium hawkesianum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba

General Information

Hawkes Tolumnia is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba. It is named after the American Botanist Early to mid in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 2-3cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 0.8-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.1-20cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 36mm to 267mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 75% to 83%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 18C to 33C, highest in July (23C to 33C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. 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

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.