Hi, welcome to the forum! I grow both of those orchids outside year around here in Glendale. The Neofinetia is probably more eurythermal because it occurs at a higher latitude.
Sources: Orchid Culture,
Weather Reports,
Temperature Charts
Neofinetia falcata is probably the most commonly grown
monopodial orchid in Southern California. If you get a chance you should look through that group for
orchid growers in Southern California.
Even though you get pretty cold during winter I wouldn't be surprised if you could grow both these species outside year around during a typical winter.
In my experience...mounted orchids are safer during winter than potted orchids. The Neo grows easily mounted while the Isochilus seems to want a bit more moisture.
The two most important things when attaching an orchid to a branch are 1. making sure the orchid is very securely fastened to the branch and 2. making sure you get the moss right.
To securely attach the orchid I use fishing line with a slip knot on one end.
Less is more when it comes to moss. With epiphytic orchids it is generally safer to err on the side of too much rather than too little drainage. When I attach my Neos to branches I generally don't use any moss. If I were to use moss then I'd place it away from the orchid but close enough where the roots could quickly reach it.
For the Isochilus I'd place a small handful of moss between the orchid and the branch.
During summer I water these two orchids at night around 3 times a week. During winter I only water once a week first thing in the morning.
Southern CA outdoor species
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