Tolumnia aka Hispaniella henekenii

A species native to Haiti and the Dominican Republic at elevations up to 500 feet, with average humidity around 50%. It is primarily found in dry, desert-like conditions, growing on small branches of trees or cacti.

It features compact, V-shaped leaves and does well on slabs (when grown in high humidity with frequent watering) or in small unglazed clay pots with charcoal or New Zealand sphagnum moss.

What makes this plant truly extraordinary are its deep burgundy, hairy flowers bordered in yellow, which remarkably resemble a female bee, complete with wing- and head-like details. The flower spike is successive, and capable of blooming multiple flowers, one at a time, off the same spike. This is typically a spring bloomer for us, but on occasion it can flower off season.

Care Tips:

Water: Every 2–3 days; adjust based on humidity to prevent leaf shrivel. These must dry completely at the roots between watering. If potted in moss and clay pots, this is critical.

Growing: These plants do well in small containers with a well-drained potting material such as clay balls or bark mix. They also enjoy clay pots with sphagnum moss or bark. If you have decent humidity and water frequently, they also do well mounted onto slab.

Fertilizer: Once every 1–2 weeks.

Flowering: Do not cut the spike until it dries, as they can continue to flower on the same spike.

These are mature, flowering-size miniature plants with a 6 cm leaf span.