Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid Plant Care
Tolumnia urophylla (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Braem
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique orchid species is characterized by its slender, pendant leaves that resemble tails, hence its name "urophylla." Native to the Caribbean islands, Tolumnia urophylla is highly sought after by plant collectors for its distinctive appearance and rare beauty. Its compact size and vibrant flowers make it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Water Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid Native To?
What Is the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid (Tolumnia urophylla) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Tolumnia genus. Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid is native to the Lesser Antilles.
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid displays a compact, epiphytic orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid produces colorful, small flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Tolumnia urophylla requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid Need?
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid Prefer?
Tolumnia urophylla grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Feed Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to oncidium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid?
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid Need?
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid is native to the Lesser Antilles. In cooler regions, grow Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tolumnia genus — compare its care with other Tolumnia species on PlantoScan.
Tolumnia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tolumnia urophylla (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Braem, family Orchidaceae (first published in Orchidee (Hamburg) 37: 59 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tailleaf Shaving Brush Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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