Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window. They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? I like this window because
it's in a place where I remember to water them regularly as they dry out
quickly. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chris

I suspect your assessment that it's a light issue is correct. I grow mine
in as bright a condition as possible, and feed them regularly.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Chris Ridge" wrote in message
. net...
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back,
I divided it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and
mounted the other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a
western facing window and the mount is about a foot away from the same
window. They're equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? I like this
window because it's in a place where I remember to water them regularly as
they dry out quickly. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chris

On Aug 5, 10:59 pm, "Chris Ridge" wrote:
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window. They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? ...

Yes, tolumnias need a -lot- of light to bloom.

J. Del Col

I don't have many, but the ones I have are mounted and hang *under* the
Vandas. They grow and bloom like crazy.

Diana

"jadel" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 5, 10:59 pm, "Chris Ridge" wrote:
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I
divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted
the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western
facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window. They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? ...

Yes, tolumnias need a -lot- of light to bloom.

J. Del Col

I haven't seen your window, but 99x of 100, the reason a healthy mature
orchid grows well but won't bloom is insufficient light.

Sometimes the plants will adapt to the lower light in a couple years and
then resume blooming, but after 5 years, I think you're past that point ...
Kenni

"Chris Ridge" wrote in message
. net...
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back,
I divided it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and
mounted the other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a
western facing window and the mount is about a foot away from the same
window. They're equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? I like this
window because it's in a place where I remember to water them regularly as
they dry out quickly. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chris

Well, I have a few (maybe a hundred) tolumnias now. I love the little
guys, they are rapidly becoming my favorite group and they are very
rewarding plants to grow. I agree largely with the more light
suggestion, but I have a few more suggestions. Proper nutrition is also
important, without the right food it doesn't matter how much light you
give the plant. Some might bloom anyway, but it won't be optimal. I
fertilize with a dilute fertilizer at almost every watering. Also, up
here in the north country tolumnia are somewhat seasonal. I get best
blooming from late February through May, with repeat blooming (off of
old spikes or newly initiated spikes) throughout the rest of the year.
To me this seems to indicate that a brief cool period might enhance
spike formation (but isn't strictly necessary), although that is an
artful guess, not science. You may wish to try a period of enhanced
diurnal temperature range (say, down to 55-60 at night, 80+ during the day).

For me, tolumnias seem to bloom wherever I put them in the greenhouse.
I honestly don't know why, and I don't think it is skill (probably
neglect, benign or otherwise). Most are housed in the 'corner of death'
(TM) which is insanely bright and hot in the summer, and bright and
modestly warm in the winter. But, I also bloom them interspersed with
the minicatts and even on benches which are mainly phrags. I don't
think those spaces are getting nearly as much light as the corner of
death. All that said, there are some plants that never bloom. I blame
genetics. If you have given the plant as much light as you can possibly
give it, it is growing well and is happy, and it still hasn't bloomed
within a year, it is time for the dumpster or the raffle table. As an
aside, I select my 'keepers' based on floriferousness more than any
other quality. If they don't have _lots_ of flowers and multiple
spikes, they don't last long in the collection. Flower size and quality
are indeed important, but even a modest flower is truly spectacular when
presented on 6 or 7 spikes with 20 flowers per.



Rob

Kenni Judd wrote:
I haven't seen your window, but 99x of 100, the reason a healthy mature
orchid grows well but won't bloom is insufficient light.

Sometimes the plants will adapt to the lower light in a couple years and
then resume blooming, but after 5 years, I think you're past that point ...
Kenni

"Chris Ridge" wrote in message
. net...
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back,
I divided it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and
mounted the other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a
western facing window and the mount is about a foot away from the same
window. They're equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? I like this
window because it's in a place where I remember to water them regularly as
they dry out quickly. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chris




--
Rob's Rules: http://littlefrogfarm.com
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a) See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to obtain more
orchids, obtain more credit

All that said, there are some plants that never bloom. I blame genetics.

And therein lies a tale, for sure. There are indeed plants which are simply
drones. Then again, I have given away plants that would not bloom for me,
only to see them adore their new owners and jump for joy. After 5 years, I
would have no more patience - let alone space - for a drone. I think I would
give that Tol. as much light as possible for a reasonable amount of time,
and then, if it doesn't bloom, ditch it in favor of something more
rewarding.

Diana

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Well, I have a few (maybe a hundred) tolumnias now. I love the little
guys, they are rapidly becoming my favorite group and they are very
rewarding plants to grow. I agree largely with the more light suggestion,
but I have a few more suggestions. Proper nutrition is also important,
without the right food it doesn't matter how much light you give the
plant. Some might bloom anyway, but it won't be optimal. I fertilize
with a dilute fertilizer at almost every watering. Also, up here in the
north country tolumnia are somewhat seasonal. I get best blooming from
late February through May, with repeat blooming (off of old spikes or
newly initiated spikes) throughout the rest of the year. To me this seems
to indicate that a brief cool period might enhance spike formation (but
isn't strictly necessary), although that is an artful guess, not science.
You may wish to try a period of enhanced diurnal temperature range (say,
down to 55-60 at night, 80+ during the day).

For me, tolumnias seem to bloom wherever I put them in the greenhouse. I
honestly don't know why, and I don't think it is skill (probably neglect,
benign or otherwise). Most are housed in the 'corner of death' (TM) which
is insanely bright and hot in the summer, and bright and modestly warm in
the winter. But, I also bloom them interspersed with the minicatts and
even on benches which are mainly phrags. I don't think those spaces are
getting nearly as much light as the corner of death. If you have given
the plant as much light as you can possibly give it, it is growing well
and is happy, and it still hasn't bloomed within a year, it is time for
the dumpster or the raffle table. As an aside, I select my 'keepers'
based on floriferousness more than any other quality. If they don't have
_lots_ of flowers and multiple spikes, they don't last long in the
collection. Flower size and quality are indeed important, but even a
modest flower is truly spectacular when presented on 6 or 7 spikes with 20
flowers per.



Rob

Kenni Judd wrote:
I haven't seen your window, but 99x of 100, the reason a healthy mature
orchid grows well but won't bloom is insufficient light.

Sometimes the plants will adapt to the lower light in a couple years and
then resume blooming, but after 5 years, I think you're past that point
... Kenni

"Chris Ridge" wrote in message
. net...
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile
back, I divided it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay
pellets and mounted the other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is
right next to a western facing window and the mount is about a foot away
from the same window. They're equally happy. I assume it's a light
issue? I like this window because it's in a place where I remember to
water them regularly as they dry out quickly. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chris




--
Rob's Rules: http://littlefrogfarm.com
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a) See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to obtain more
orchids, obtain more credit

Please forgive me (especially you Aussies)... I don't know where this came
from.

"My tolumnia just won't bloom.
My tolumnia just won't bloom,

I moved the thing all over the place,
Misted it 'til I was blue in the face.

I'm a big disgrace to the orchidgrowing race,
My tolumnia just won't bloom."

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
...
I don't have many, but the ones I have are mounted and hang *under* the
Vandas. They grow and bloom like crazy.

Diana

"jadel" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 5, 10:59 pm, "Chris Ridge" wrote:
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I
divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted
the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western
facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window. They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? ...

Yes, tolumnias need a -lot- of light to bloom.

J. Del Col

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll try moving it to my brightest window
and keep up with the fertilizing.

Chris

Hmm, Ray. 8:57 pm post, huh? Tipping that bottle of schnapps, are we? LOL!

Diana

"Ray B" wrote in message
news:wrPti.2767$7m5.1398@trndny02...
Please forgive me (especially you Aussies)... I don't know where this came
from.

"My tolumnia just won't bloom.
My tolumnia just won't bloom,

I moved the thing all over the place,
Misted it 'til I was blue in the face.

I'm a big disgrace to the orchidgrowing race,
My tolumnia just won't bloom."

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
...
I don't have many, but the ones I have are mounted and hang *under* the
Vandas. They grow and bloom like crazy.

Diana

"jadel" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 5, 10:59 pm, "Chris Ridge" wrote:
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I
divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted
the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western
facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window.
They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? ...

Yes, tolumnias need a -lot- of light to bloom.

J. Del Col

(((LOL)))
"Ray B" wrote in message
news:wrPti.2767$7m5.1398@trndny02...
Please forgive me (especially you Aussies)... I don't know where this came
from.

"My tolumnia just won't bloom.
My tolumnia just won't bloom,

I moved the thing all over the place,
Misted it 'til I was blue in the face.

I'm a big disgrace to the orchidgrowing race,
My tolumnia just won't bloom."

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
...
I don't have many, but the ones I have are mounted and hang *under* the
Vandas. They grow and bloom like crazy.

Diana

"jadel" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 5, 10:59 pm, "Chris Ridge" wrote:
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I
divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted
the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western
facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window.
They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? ...

Yes, tolumnias need a -lot- of light to bloom.

J. Del Col

No, just lack of sleep.

For some reason I woke up at 2 am, and hadn't yet been back to sleep on
Monday.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
...
Hmm, Ray. 8:57 pm post, huh? Tipping that bottle of schnapps, are we?
LOL!

Diana

"Ray B" wrote in message
news:wrPti.2767$7m5.1398@trndny02...
Please forgive me (especially you Aussies)... I don't know where this
came from.

"My tolumnia just won't bloom.
My tolumnia just won't bloom,

I moved the thing all over the place,
Misted it 'til I was blue in the face.

I'm a big disgrace to the orchidgrowing race,
My tolumnia just won't bloom."

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
...
I don't have many, but the ones I have are mounted and hang *under* the
Vandas. They grow and bloom like crazy.

Diana

"jadel" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 5, 10:59 pm, "Chris Ridge" wrote:
Hi,

I have had a Tolumnia Golden Glow for probably five years now. It's
growing
like crazy but I can't get the darn thing to bloom. Awhile back, I
divided
it and put half in a clay pot with Prime Agra clay pellets and mounted
the
other half on a tree fern slab. The pot is right next to a western
facing
window and the mount is about a foot away from the same window.
They're
equally happy. I assume it's a light issue? ...

Yes, tolumnias need a -lot- of light to bloom.

J. Del Col