Among the representatives of the Orchid family is isolated indigenous ancestral branch tolumnia. Earlier in the Botanical sources of this kind included in the group of oncidiums. To date, about 30 flowering perennials with common characteristics and name. Natural boundaries tolumnia rare. Wild shape can only be seen in the Caribbean. Experienced orchidist long been engaged in the cultivation and can, and tolumnia home. Both willingly offer to purchase a flower shop.

Description Orchid tolumnia

Floral representatives ardija – can tolumnia have their own specific characteristics. For example, tolumnia expressed pseudobulb do not exist, or almost not noticeable on the stems. To replace pseudobulbar comes cropped and delicate process. Leaves develop in pairs in the rhizome – creeping shoots, which is typical for most samodelnyj plants. Records are closely touching each other and arranged in a small diameter outlet. Shape of leaves lanceolate or oval with pointed ends. The length of the leaf plates is in the range of 5-20 cm and a width approximately 5-15 cm

In addition to the fleshy green flower has long spreading stems, bearing some flowers. The height of the stalks is 50-75 cm in perennial varieties. Each peduncle is located at 12-60 tiny buds with a diameter of from 1.5 to 3 cm

Inflorescence zygomorphic type complex structure. Only has 3 narrow sepals small or sealii having a wedge-shaped or obovate shape, and 2 wavy petalii with a rough edge. Sepali often confused with petals. Trilobate lip is split in half. The base of the lip narrow, the growth she arches surround a round fan. Flower diameter less than the diameter of the lip. Sometimes the sizes differ in 2-3 times in favor of the 3rd petal (lip). As the reproductive organ are thickened low appendages like wings.

The distinction between types

The color of inflorescences varied. Meet solid buds with a pattern patterned on the petals. For example, there are a variety with pinkish calyx, covered with small and large Burgundy spots. Spots deposited either at the center of the flower, or scattered over the entire area of the sepals. The color gradually shifts from Burgundy to red. Another thing is the flowers tolumnia Guiana, which are painted in rich yellow color. At the bottom of the Bud, we can see tiny dark spots.

For tolumnia beautiful is characterized by a light pink bloom. The wide lip is covered with short yellow stripes, creating a messy pattern on the outside.

Hybrids

Hybrid varieties tend tolumnia equally bizarre coloring. The most common species is Tolumnia Jairak Rainbow. He managed to get through the crossing of varieties and Tolumnia Catherine Wilson Tolumnia Tsiku Vanessa. This hybrid boasts a unique multicolor color. The cups are decorated with bright spots and streaks, scattered in different direction. And the inflorescences of hybrid varieties is dominated by white, Burgundy, pink and yellow colors. The saturation of a particular color at each item individually.

Variety called Charming characterized by reddish sepals. The petals are distinguished by a delicate white fringe. At the edges of the lips is dominated by shades of crimson, center white-yellow with red speckles. Closer to the base of the spots merge into a solid red spot.

The care of Orchid tolumnia at home

If we consider the basic requirements of care tolumnia applicable to the Orchid family in General, which relate to the temperature of the cultivation, the watering and feeding, and to observe them without interruption, problems with farming will be avoided.

Location and lighting

Tolumnia Orchid likes bright diffused light. Even the direct rays to leaves and blossoms in the early morning or during sunset, do not harm the plant. However, the day in the hours of sun is better to put the vase with a flower in the shade to prevent burn lush greenery. Keep the Orchid on the windowsill near the window on the West or East side of the house. With a lack of natural light, and this happens throughout the autumn-spring period, near the pot install additional lighting in the form of special fitolamp. The length of the photoperiod for the plants should be at least 10 hours every day, and the level of light – from 6000 to 8000 LM.

Temperature

Orchid tolumnia successfully cultivated in warm temperate climate. Day and night temperature swings are only for the benefit. Normal flowering and increase foliage is achieved at daytime temperatures of 18-22°C. at Night the temperature in the room should not fall below 14°C. an Important condition for the flowering are the diurnal temperature swings. Otherwise, the flower ovaries can not be formed, or the bloom will be scant.

Watering

To resort to regular watering after drying of the substrate. Capacity with a flower immersed in water in such a way as to not fill the top layer of soil. The root system takes about 20-30 minutes, until it is saturated with moisture. Removing the pot from the basin with water, the excess liquid is allowed to drain, and then turn the capacity back on the windowsill.

For irrigation it is recommended to defend the water or heat it to a temperature of 30°C. Some growers dip into the water and the Orchid and pot. In their opinion, this method provides better hydration. Wash leaves under a warm shower accelerates the growth and formation of flower ovaries.

Late autumn and winter for orchids tolumnia a period of rest.

As a rule, this time coincides with the season of heat and drought in the homeland culture. Watering of the flower cut in half. The specimens that grow on the earthen blocks, watering 1 time in 2 weeks, and potted varieties, it is sufficient to moisturize once a month. With the appearance of the first flower stalks watering is carried out as usual.

If the plant is deprived of peace, the bloom will be weak or even cease.

Note! Flowering orchids takes 2-3 months. When it is complete, it is not necessary to trim the old stems. Usually after a while the arrows rebloom, formed when a fresh young branch. Therefore, remove only the dried vegetative parts that will not be able to recover again.

Humidity

The flower prefers a steady humidity. Optimal performance in ambient conditions of 45-70%. To increase the humidity until the last heating season, the room set the steam generators and humidifiers. Foliage systematically sprayed with warm soft water from a spray bottle. The procedure is performed only in the morning. Another way of increasing the humidity is placing next to the pot the vessel with water or podsypaya clay pebbles in the tray.

Soil

Tolumnia grown in hanging pots or pots filled with an earth mix with added sphagnum moss and shredded pine bark to improve drainage properties. Natural components take in the ratio 1:5. Sowing units are made of coarse pieces of bark. The roots are neatly secured inside the unit, before covering the surface with a moderate layer of sphagnum. This method of planting allows you to grow a healthy and attractive plant that is not susceptible to disease.

Dressing

As top dressing used mineral complex compositions, designed specifically for orchids crops, which are sold in the flower stalls. The dosage for dissolution of the drug indicated by the manufacturers on the packages. Fertilizer flower is required to make every 5 sessions of watering.

Transplanting adult plants

Tolumnia transplanted into a new pot just in case, if the root system is not placed in a beaker, and the roots are sticking out on the surface. Also the reason for the transplant is getting souring or rotting substrate when visible traces of algae inside semispace.

Methods of propagation of orchids tolumnia

At room conditions the Orchid tolumnia propagated by dividing the rhizome. To Brilliant Grün successfully acclimatized in the new place and has started to grow on it leaves not less than 3 pairs of leaves. For wholesale sales or a greenhouse culture bred through cloning or seed sowing.

Diseases and pests

Orchid tolumnia rarely affected by pests. Diseases occur as a result of the overflow of the root system in the cool time of the year. The disease is considered to be root rot, the spread of which is difficult to stop.

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