How to get neofinetia falcata to flower
 

I bought a neo falcata x sib in Nov. 2013. It was flowering at the time with three spikes. It has not flowered since. It is healthy, with many fans (it is a big ball of fans, probably at least 15-20) and has put on new ones since I bought it. It is potted in bark. At the same time I bought a vandafinetia White Crane and a cross of neo falcata with ascocentrum miniatum, both of which have flowered at least a couple of times since then. The neo has received the same treatment as far as watering, light, and fertilizing as these two, which are thriving.

I live in Kona, Hawaii, and so it is perpetually spring/summer weather, and plants are outside. I water almost daily as it is usually dry here rainwise, but with adequate humidity. As I have read that neos are used to cool winters, would it help if I moved it up to Volcano area (low 50s to high 40s nights to high 60s-70ish daytime, typically, at this time of year) for a while? It is rainy/misty there also, and it would have to be outside.

I admit that I had never even heard of neos before I bought these, but they are lovely plants and I would like to get more if I can succeed with this one!

OK, this is my first attempt to attach photos but the orientation is wrong. The first is the neo in bloom in 2013, the second the cross with ascocentrum, and the third the White Crane. Sorry for photos - they are a bit fuzzy.

Any advice/encouragement would be appreciated.:biggrin:

I've grown Neos in the past and the temps never went below 60 degrees in the winter. I did grow them in Catt light. Watered them generously during the grow season and about once a week in the winter.

Brooke

Your blooms look wonderful. I grow Neos in a window and one stopped blooming. Like yours, one was putting out a lot of healthy fans, but would not rebloom. I asked a representative from the big neo grower Seed Engai what to try. She said to let the roots be totally dry for a few days before watering again. I did that for a year and it bloomed with 2 spikes. My temperatures range from 60F to 90F and humidity is usually 50% to 70%.

I grow mine indoors so temp drops aren't big. Try more light?

Your light is great I'm sure because the other two hybrids bloom and they both need high light.
The only thing is the winter.
How cool does it get in the winter in Hawaii?

I am with you that that is the only thing I would suspect.

Neos are from southern parts of Japan, South Korea and into China, and these places get snow although it is freezing cold the entire winter, it does get very cold.

By the way, I am in love with your White Crane!!! :)
The flower shape is so well-balanced.
I see it's got some growths at the base.
I would love to get a piece of that plant in the future.
Think of me! ;)