Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Oncidium Plant Care
Tolumnia guianensis (Aubl.) Braem
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tolumnia guianensis is a unique orchid known for its small, round leaves that are a vibrant shade of green with subtle variegation. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Guyana and is prized by plant enthusiasts for its compact growth habit and stunning foliage.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Oncidium?
Water Oncidium every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Oncidium Native To?
What Is the Oncidium?
Oncidium (Tolumnia guianensis) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Tolumnia genus. Oncidium is native to Hispaniola.
Oncidium displays a compact, epiphytic orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Oncidium produces colorful, small flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Oncidium?
Tolumnia guianensis 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 Oncidium Need?
Oncidium thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Oncidium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oncidium Prefer?
Tolumnia guianensis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Oncidium prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oncidium?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Oncidium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Oncidium?
Feed Oncidium every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Oncidium?
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 Oncidium?
Oncidium can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tailleaf shaving brush orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Oncidium Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Oncidium, 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 Oncidium?
Oncidium 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 Oncidium Need?
Oncidium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Oncidium is native to Hispaniola. In cooler regions, grow Oncidium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Oncidium 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.
Oncidium 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 guianensis (Aubl.) Braem, family Orchidaceae (first published in Orchidee (Hamburg) 37: 58 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Oncidium, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Oncidium Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species