First Neofinetia and questions

I got my first neofinetia for Christmas. It is Neofinetia falcata `Shojo` from Tropical Gardens (which, by the way, is another great canadian vendor).



I put packng peanut under the base, arranged roots around it, wrapped everything in the sphag and pushed it into net pot. I am watering when sphag gets crusty dry. It sits in the bright spot with lots of morning sun.

Does it sound like the right thing to do?
Does my potting look ok?
Do you have any hints about the culture?
Please share.
Thanks a lot.

[Merlyn]

Yes. Yes. You're doing fine ! It is a slow grower so don't expect too much too fast ! Mine sits in a SE window under lights as well. Also in sphagnum in a 5" ceramic orchid pot with lots of holes. I've had it for 6 years.
.

Oh Wow! Gorgeous plant you have there.
I have SE window too, it is tall and spans through two levels, so I have sun from the early morning to about 1 pm, my catts and vandas get very purple there and it is enough for them to bloom without additional lights.
Would neofinetia tolerate this much sun?
Thanks again.

[Merlyn]

Yes, but keep an eye on it to make sure ! I put mine outside in the spring-summer-fall on the SE landing/deck. My sun is filtered a bit = nothing ever burns out there and I have no shadecloth or screening.

[s.kallima]

Your plant is still small, little chance to see it bloom this year, especially if you don't give it a cold rest with very little water. It is ok in winter to give it more light, even direct sun like you do, but you should cut down the watering and the temps if you can. Then when spring comes and new roots grow, you should decrease sun exposure (especially mid-day sun) and go back to regular watering and fertilizing.
You did very well with potting in moss, keeping the base of the plant above the moss.
Hope this helps

Thank you Merlyn and S.kallima for the valueable info.
I didn't know they need cooler temps in winter to bloom. That might be a problem in my winter indoors

[Paul Mc]

What kind of temps are we talking about though?

Paul, we usually keep the house at around 20 Cels in winter when heater is on and about 25 Cels in summer time when a/c is on.
Now I am thinking that maybe I should put my neo right on the windowsil closer to the glass, with -20 outside it should be pretty cold there.

[Merlyn]

Mine does just fine without any cold winters.

[s.kallima]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

What kind of temps are we talking about though?

I am talking about below 50 F. Yes they can do ok with warmer temperatures, but maybe not in the long run.
In their natural habitat they even get snow!