🌸 Tolumnia Jairak Sylvestris Care Sheet (Closed Terrarium Setup)
A miniature orchid with vivid, dancing flowers—perfect for warm, bright terrarium environments with airflow.
🔍 Quick Info
Type: Miniature epiphytic orchid (formerly in Oncidium alliance)
Size: 5–10 cm tall
Flowers: Small, colourful, butterfly-like blooms in reds, pinks, yellows, or purples depending on the clone
Bloom Season: Variable—can flower multiple times a year with proper care
Growth Habit: Fan-shaped pseudobulbs with thin, wiry roots
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Day Temp: 22–30°C
Night Temp: 16–20°C
Humidity: 60–80%
✅ Can thrive in a closed terrarium if well-ventilated
⚠️ Airflow is essential—Tolumnias hate stagnant air and wet roots
💡 Light
Requirement: Bright, filtered or indirect light
Natural Light: East-facing or north-facing window
Artificial Light: LED grow lights for 10–14 hours/day
⚠️ Needs more light than many terrarium orchids—ensure brightness without direct sun
💧 Watering
Watering Style: "Wet-dry cycle" is key
Frequency: 2–3× per week in active growth; less in cool/dormant periods
✅ Water roots thoroughly, then allow them to dry completely before watering again
❌ Never let roots stay wet—prone to rot
🌱 Potting & Mounting
Preferred: Mounted on cork or tree fern plaque (best in terrarium)
Media: None or a tiny bit of moss near roots for humidity only
Container Option: Very small basket with chunky bark or LECA for airflow
✅ Roots must breathe—avoid compact media
🌬️ Air Circulation
Essential in terrariums—no exceptions
Use a mini USB fan or leave the lid slightly open
Prevents rot and promotes strong root health
🌿 Feeding
Fertilizer: Weak liquid orchid fertilizer (1/4 strength)
Frequency: Every 1–2 weeks during growth
Flush: Monthly with clean water to remove buildup
⚠️ Terrarium Care Tips
Keep air moving—Tolumnias cannot handle "wet + still" environments
Avoid soggy moss—use only as humidity buffer, not as root medium
Trim dead roots or fans to keep plant tidy
Repot/mount if roots become crowded or rot appears
✅ Ideal For
Bright, warm terrariums with consistent airflow
Growers who can balance watering carefully
Orchid lovers looking for vibrant, frequent blooms on miniature plants