Years with no bloom

[K.C.]

This is a Tolumnia sylvestris "EL Gato" Am/AFOS that I have had for years. Too many years with no blooms. I have as always, when it looked like it would die if I didn't do something, soaked it in 6-30-30, and as you can see 2 starts stayed in the water when I took it out. What do I need to get this thing to bloom?

[dounoharm]

a lot more than two in that water, lol....man, that is a big ball of plants!....I am not very good with tolumnias, but I would think maybe more light...I hear they really like strong light...hopefully someone else will chime in, good luck!

[Bulbofett]

WOw That thing is huge! I wish I could help, but I've never grown one of these before. I just had to comment on how big and beautiful it was even if its not in bloom.

[Daethen]

I'm with Bulbo. Have no clue what to tell you other than it is huge. And if you need a home for the extras......

[The Orchid Boy]

It looks likes it needs more light. They like vanda light at least...

---------- Post added at 09:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:18 PM ----------

They are twig epiphytes, they get little moisture and blasted with sun.

[PaphMadMan]

If you treat Tolu. sylvestre like a typical Tolu. hybrid and it isn't thriving and blooming when the hybrids are doing well, it probably needs more light and less fertilizer, maybe less moisture. Tolu. sylvestre hasn't contributed much to the hybrids, mostly dominated by pulchella, triquetra and guainensis. Those species don't need as much light, and the hybrids have been through a dozen generations of selection for ease of culture and positive response to lush greenhouse living. So, try more light, less fertlizer and perfect drainage (empty clay pot or twig mount without moss) for at least 1 of your plants.

[james mickelso]

Tolumnias=light. Lots of light. Most are mounted or potted in a large media. Did I mention they like a lot of light? They need a lot of light.

[My Green Pets]

It's beautiful and healthy looking aside from the no blooms.

If you do increase the light, as these very knowledgeable orchid boarders have suggested, just be sure to do it gently and gradually, because too quick a change into brighter light could burn those beautiful leaves.

Just think, when this huge plant finally blooms...gonna be gorgeous! Would love for you to post an update when that happens!

[K.C.]

There is a twig mount in the center.

---------- Post added at 01:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:59 PM ----------

I will up the light as much as I can on the north Oregon cost. Thank to all for the help on this one.

[The Orchid Boy]

Oregon cost... Pretty cloudy there a lot of the time right? Supplemental lights may be beneficial...