Brian became interested in orchids at the tender age of 12 and started growing and eventually hybridizing orchids in his backyard. Today his collection is housed in 4000 square feet of greenhouse. Brian discussed the history about Tolumnias. In the 1950,’s, W.W. Goodale Moir began crossing Tolumnia species he collected on trips to the Caribbean area. In nature, Tolumnias are twig epiphytes, small, compact plants with fine roots. Moir laid the foundation for these tiny plants once nicknamed “Moir’s weeds”, to become award winning specimens. Tolumnias generally prefer to not remain wet and like good air movement. When watering, ensure that they are able to dry out. They prefer: 70-80% humidity, medium to high light, and 10° temperature change in day/night. When choosing a growing medium, pick one that suits your conditions. Tolumnias can be grown in little clay pots, without any media with the right conditions, or can be mounted on tree fern slabs.
There are 29 species of Tolumnias with 5 major contributors to the gene pool when hybridizing. Triquetra contribute anthocyanin, the red pigment. Tolumnias with lobe-like side petals, which are likely to be a hybrid with pulchella. Uraphylla has a good lip shape and is a triploid (3 sets of chromosomes). Guianensis has wider petals and increases the flower count when used in hybridizing. Round lips and spider-like features are likely contributed by henekenii. Some of the most notable and awarded hybrids are Golden Glow a primary hybrid of triquetra x urophylla and Tiny Tim triquetra x guianensis.Line breeding and remaking primary hybrids are in the future of Tolumnias.
Brian’s secret for growing orchids, “Grow or Die”. In other words, figure out what works best for your conditions and stick with it. He recommends “weeding out” collections annually as it takes the same amount of space, effort and supplies to grow poor quality orchids as good quality orchids. So mark your calendar for one of two excellent months for this chore, October (FLOS Annual Auction) or January (FLOS Annual Show).
===announcement===
Brian Monk from Blu Llama Orchids will be our July speaker and will discuss Tolumnias! Brian started growing and hybridizing orchids in his backyard, but this has expanded to 4,000 square feet of greenhouse space. He will grow anything green, but focuses on his hybridizing projects, which include the development of multi-floral white and pink Paphiopedilumms, warmth tolerant red Oncidinae and a standard pink Cattleya with a n all white lip. Brian pursues photography as well and won awares during the 2007 Miami International Orchid Show and the 2008 World Orchid Conference. Brian is currently a student judge with the American Orchid Society. (from Blu Llama website).