Tolumnia Questions

[brsucculents]

Does anyone grow Tolumnia in rock (lava rock, LECA, or plain rock)? I'm wondering why every time I purchase a Tolumnia it's in just charcoal. Is there some advantage to charcoal? When I have repotted them the plant is unstable in the charcoal. I'm also getting some rotting. I believe its from the charcoal being too high. If I raise the plant the roots seem to dry out too much. I know some people grow bare root but I don't think that would work for me. It seems rock would be more stable.
Here's a pic of Pink Panther.

[cbuchman]

The key to Tolumnias is that they must dry out fast. I've rotted out more than a few and have done best with them mounted and misted daily (in really hot weather, twice a day). Tolumnias want to be dry almost immediately after they are watered. Think about how they grow in the Caribbean, and emulate that environment with lots of air movement and brief sprinkles followed by immediate drying.

I grow mine mounted on hard wood and cork.

[Bud]

I have used sponge rock (small sized to medium sized) with tree fern shards and a bit of moss but then again I have humidity issues as an indoor grower....as long as the media dries overnight

[WhiteRabbit]

I have a tolu potted in a 2" clay pot, predominantly tree fern fiber (a bit or pumice added. Takes water every other day in summer, every 3-4 days in winter.

Has been this way a few years- grows and blooms great. I wouldn't want it going any longer without drying out tho.

Daily drying out is likely ideal, but I think as long as they dry relatively quickly is fine.

Use of a skewer is helpful to make sure the media is completely dry before watering, regardless if the media.