Neofinetia Falcata standard white

[dougbraz]

Given the small size of this orchid, what size and height of pot would you recommend for S/H? MY plant is only 3"-4" in size. Presumably the LECA should be small as well? The "standard" size ones here seem to be about 3/4" in diameter - would that work?
I am honestly torn between a S/H growth or a traditional Japanese Fuuran style for this plant. In S/H I only have two cattasetums - that are doing just fine. I had a Phaius that didn't adjust to the move from a vase..

Thanks for any pointers.
Doug

[Stray59]

My worth;
If you should decide to put it in LECA, or any other medium, whatever you plant it in should be a relative in size to the plant, ie. smaller plant = smaller medium; the same with pots. If the medium or the pot looks too big, then it is. .
You might sift through the LECA to see if there are smaller pieces you can use, or break some up, but a very small plant should be in something smaller than 3/4 inch I believe. But a 3-4 inch Neo should be able to handle such as this, dependent on the size of the root mass.
I love the Fuuran pots myself and am moving mine onto one once the spring growth appears. I have been advised to wait until March to replant.
I have no experience in S/H and will not comment on it. Sorry about the Phaius!
Steve

[dougbraz]

Steve thanks for the feedback. I agree with your logic, just wondered if anyone had any specific experience with neofinetia in S/H to share.
Also agree that fuuran pots are way cool! I just bought one and when it arrives I will give it a shot an dthen maybe buy another neo for s/h.
cheers
doug

[Pilot]

So I have a different experience. I use regular old hydroton in a glass vase with drainage drilled just as any sh pot. My Neos have not questioned my use of regular size hydroton and have grown quite so that now I enjoy what I estimate to be about 50+ fans and loads of spikes and blooms.

The size of the medium seems to be irrelevant.

[dougbraz]

Good to know Ryan - thanks.
Just for curiosity, how tall and what is the diameter of your s/h neofinetia pot?
Tks
Doug

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by dougbraz

Good to know Ryan - thanks.
Just for curiosity, how tall and what is the diameter of your s/h neofinetia pot?
Tks
Doug

I'm not home right now but from memory it's about 8 inches tall and just as wide.

[PurpleOrchidLover]

Hi Doug,
I saw your post and thought I would respond even though it's been awhile. I bought a little neo from an orchid show over the summer. I transferred it in to a 2 inch S/H pot and used leca that was smaller than the size of a pea. It started putting out several spikes and seemed like it was doing well. But sadly it I think it picked up a fungus. I used physan 20 and tried my best to save the little guy but when it lost it's center leaf I knew it was doomed. If I ever get another neo I won't use SH. But keep in mind I am very new to Orchids and have only been doing this for about a year. However I do have an Onc, 2 Phals and a Dendro that are all doing awesome in SH. Hope that helps!
Thanks,
Pam

[dougbraz]

Thanks Pam for sharing your experiences.. And woes...
I am still "iffy" about transferring my neo to S/H, I think I will stick with the furaan pot.
Rgds
Doug