Harlequin Dancing-Lady Orchid
Tolumnia variegata
- Native to:
- Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands
John Lindley and Joseph Paxton , drawing by L. A. L. Constans
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Genus:
- Tolumnia
- Species:
- Tolumnia variegata
- USDA Symbol:
- TOVA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 20 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, brown, white
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- pollinators
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky outcrops and coastal areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Notes:
- Orchid seeds require symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi for germination; typically propagated via tissue culture or division rather than seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI