Tolumnia velutina

Tolumnias are members of the Oncidium family and a remarkable for as tiny plants that produce lots of large flowers.

Tolumnia velutina is our favourite Tolumnia species as the plants are smaller than average and the flowers larger than average.

Tolumnia velutina is generally included in the variable species Tolumnia variegata but we keep it seperate as the growth habit is different (smaller and more compact) and the flowers are different with their large velvety lip (hence velutina).

The native range is islands of the Caribbean where it grows in open forest. We find that the species is not fussy about temperature but needs really good light to flower and thrive. It also loves air to its roots and we find it only grows well if mounted on cork.

We grow all our Tolumnias high in our cloud forest greenhouse looking south towards the sun, although plants also seem to be growing well indoors in our IKEA cabinets under grow lights.