Oncidium prionochilum

[Darks!de]

I just acquired this species and am not sure of the requirements it needs. Can anyone tell me about what it needs in terms of lighting, watering, ventiliation, and planting? Thanks a bunch.

Luke

[Darks!de]

Noone knows anything about this orchid?

Luke

[Marty]

You stumped everyone

Originally Posted by Darks!de

Noone knows anything about this orchid?

Luke

[Darks!de]

Well this is what I could fine after quite a bit of searching:

These miniature orchids are originally from the Caribbean islands. "Equitants" have leaves that in cross-section look like fleshy triangles or arrowheads. This shape was adapted by the plant to survive in the drier environments found on their native islands. The leaves hold water so that it can be reserved for short dry periods. The cultural requirements for Equitants are simple. They appreciate bright light, high humidity and warm temperatures similar to their native environment. Just provide them water when they need it and lots of air movement. Equitants were originally classified with Oncidiums but have been moved to their own genus, Tolumnia. This new classification has not been unanimously accepted so Oncidium is still commonly used.



Tolumnia prionochilum, commonly called the tropical dancing lady orchid, is native to the Virgin Islands. It is on the list of endangered and threatened plants and animals of the U. S. Virgin Islands. Tolumnia prionochilum has very long flower spikes with yellow flowers and may form keikis on these long spikes as you can see below. It is a vigorous grower that thrives mounted. It is beautifully mounted and a heavy morning misting will encourage its growth. This plant is a mature specimen that has previously bloomed. It tends to bloom in the spring with a bountiful display of yellow flowers. A typical plant is pictured below. It has bloomed previously. Be sure to keep the spike on the plant since it easily forms keikis.

Any suggestions? Since this orchid will be inside a vivarium, how can I adequately give it airflow?

Luke

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[Ray]

I don't think it would be a particularly good candidate for vivarium culture, as tolumnias like bright light, breezes, and most importantly, to dry out very rapidly after watering. Mine - all mounted or in baskets of loose coconut husk fiber - suffer if it turns rainy, gray and cloudy soon after they've been watered (i.e., when I failed to check the weather report before watering...).

[Darks!de]

Well it is under 3x96w PC bulbs, which should be sufficient, gets misted 3 times a day for 1min, and dries in between. The only thing I still need to figure out it ventiliation.

Luke