Neostylis Potting Options?

[angeleyedcat]

Hello I bought a Neostylis Lou Sneary "Bluebird" 4 months ago. It's incredibly happy and I've been following the instructions of the seller - soak in a tub of water every 3 or 4 days (or as needed) fertilizing every other time and keeping it in a sunny south window. Well, it's really happy, lots of new roots filling most of its 2 inch pot with more new ones on top, plus a new leaf. The problem I'm having is every time I soak it most of the bark floats out. At this point there isn't much room in the pot for bark and I'm afraid I'm going to hurt the roots always pushing the bark back.

Is there another way to grow this orchid in PA? I'd imagine a bigger pot would just have more bark floating out? I'm leary of mounting because I guess it would need more constant care? (once every 3 or 4 days is enough) Does it really need the bark in the pot at all? Or can it stay in the pot with just a small amount of bark on the bottom for moistness? Not sure about vase culture but could that work? I haven't had any good experiences with sphag but would a small ball of it on the bottom of the pot for the roots be an option? Just brainstorming trying to figure out a way to keep a little moisture there without the disruption of roots during soaking.

Any suggestions? Thank you

[trdyl]

Hello Cat.

When I grew in bark instead of soaking in a tub I would give them a gentle shower for about 10 minutes which kept the bark in the pot. As far as potting options I've been growing my Neost. Lou Sneary for 5 years in semi-hydroponics. It is a nice little specimen now with 2 mature fans,the highest over 12 inches, and several keikis and is literally blooming year-round.

[orkie]

I've had the same problem with bark or media floating away when I soak plants. If you fill the container you are soaking in just below the rim of the pot, it should keep things from floating away. Then to make sure the top roots get a bit of water, I just run water through it a few times before I put it back. Lava rock is another option too-it doesn't float when it gets saturated. I use it on some dendrobiums, it might be too dry for a Neostylis, but you could top with some sphag to retain moisture there. Good luck!

Sara

[angeleyedcat]

I've been meaning to try s/h but just haven't gotten around to it. Never knew such a small orchid would work! Definately a good idea, thanks I've been reading about it at First Rays - would regular size media work or should it be smaller?

For right now I'll have to change to a smaller tub (tough since the plant is so wide!) so it won't tip over so easy or just run water through

[Paul Mc]

I know this is an old thread, but thought I'd say what I put mine in. I don't know if I'm right or wrong yet though. Mine is in a mixture of lava rock, charcoal, bark and peat. I'm hoping that the bark and peat will help retain enough moisture for it. I water every wednesday and saturday for now (it's winter), though I'm sure I will be watering more once it's warmer.

[cday2inflorida]

This is my Neostylis potted in straight sphagnum. Blooms almost spent but new spikes emerging.

[Zoey]

Where are you in PA? I am Carlisle. Would be happy to talk. Zoey