Need help with Ascf. Twinkle Pololei Orange

[Raqsharqi]

I got this over the summer with no growing instructions. I asked the grower to send me some information by email, and never got an answer. I don't know if I am supposed to put it on a winter rest plan, stick it in bright light, sing to it at night, or whatever else will make it grow. I think I put it in light that was too bright, or it didn't like the cold snap we had, because the leaves show damage. I'd really like some help with this before I kill it!

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't grow this hybrid, but suspect it can take quite a bit of light, but may need to become slowly acclimated if previously grown in lower light ...
Some Ascocentrums DO want to be a bit cool and slightly drier in winter - I don't know if this hybrid does ...
I hope some other members can help more!

[MattWoelfsen]

Ascf. Twinkle (Neof. falcata x Asctm. miniatum) is a nice hybrid that tolerates various environments from relative cool temperatures to relatively warm temperatures. This is a Vanda hybrid. Bright light needed to bloom colorfully and regularly. Both species are fragrant.

Grow these like you would Vanda. Or if you are more familiar with Neofinetia falcata, grow like a Neofinetia--cool temperatures in the winter time, not a lot of water, lots of fresh air. In spring and into summer, water regularly, add dilute amounts of fertilizer. Repot when roots start growing.

[Raqsharqi]

Thanks, Mattwoelfsen. I have no experience at all with Vanda, and this is also my first year with a Neofinitia! I thought originally that I would treat it like a Neo and cut back on the water for the winter. I also thought it would be okay in stronger light...at least 35,000 lux. Once the leaves got toasted, though, I figured I better look at other options. I'm likely to have the greenhouse just above 50 for the winter (unless we get a weather surprise), so am I better treating it as a Neofinetia?

[MattWoelfsen]

I have this plant and I grow it with my Neofinetia. Mine is growing well in those conditions.

I try to give my Neofinetia more light in the winter, although not direct light--I would be too concerned about burning my plants. Your hybrid would probably be okay in even brighter light, as Fairorchids advised in another thread. In that case you would have to acclimate it for those conditions. I would do that to my hybrid but it would be the only Vanda in that grow space.

[Raqsharqi]

Thanks again, MattWoelfsen. Can you tell me how much you cut back on water in the winter? Are you going from twice a week watering to once a week watering, or are you cutting back more than that?