Suruga-fukurin?

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by u bada

Satomi actually asked for a pic from overhead which I snapped and sent from my phone then silence then she eventually replied with something to the effect of "looks like suruga to me!" lol but she said she will double check with her father.

In terms of knowledge, I'd definitely trust what her father says, with him being the chairman of the board of the Japan association and all...

Originally Posted by u bada

If you're interested I could take close up pictures of said details and see what you think, but if you feel it looks not far off from suruga fukurin to you with this pic, and certainly with Satomi's email of late, I suppose it's not worth changing the name tag.

I would love to see better photos, even if only for admiration.

Originally Posted by u bada

My main concerns were the instability of variegation on this one, as I read this variety is pretty stable, and didn't think it exhibits anthocyanin pigmentation, a quality I personally love.

Instability of variegation sometimes does happen, even in otherwise stable varieties. This change can be completely by chance, or it could be due to cultural issues. Some varieties like Nishidemiyako are more prone to it, while others are less so, but there is really no variegated variety that is absolutely 100% stable.

As for pigmentation, the only plants that will never show anthocyanin pigmentation at all are the aojiku varieties. If the stem is mud, like on suruga-fukurin, it can show anthocyanin pigmentation elsewhere in certain conditions. Anthocyanin production is also most prominent during the late fall and early spring when there is a strong swing in temperatures between day and night, as well as when the plant is given excess light.

Originally Posted by u bada

After combing the web even more for clear images of the variety I started to see general characteristics and think that mine probably isn't that far off as initially thought. It appears the variegation can vary in thickness if anything, but really I saw only 1 or 2 examples of other plants that had new growths which reversed variegation or strongly "aberrant" variegation.

It's not uncommon for some fukurin varieties to grow new babies that have naka-fu or sanko-nakafu variegation which later revert back to fukurin. However, I do admit that I don't see that much in the examples of Suruga-fukurin that I have seen, but as mentioned before, it's not unheard of.

Originally Posted by u bada

out of curiosity I'm wondering if I were to eventually bring this to be shown or to be judged, would the "aberrant" growths/ variegation detract or add to the overall qualities of it as this variety? And yet another question for you, if I were keep in higher light and augment the pigmentation is that considered desirable? (personally out of fear of burning i may just need to keep at medium highest light?)

In terms of judging, the aberrant growths on this variety would detract because it is not what this variety is known for. Judging of each specimen in Japanese style judging goes by looking at what the ideal is for each variety and comparing it to that.

In terms of anthocyanin pigmentation, generally there are few varieties where anthocyanin on the leaves outside of the stem would be judged favorably. However, in your own plant, I'd say you should do what you want, and whatever makes you happy. My only suggestion is to increase the light incrementally and don't go too high or you'll cause other problems, even before the plant begins to burn. On the other hand, I see anthocyanin pigmentation as a seasonal trait and generally enjoy it as a fleeting pleasure rather than something to force into a plant.

However, don't forget that Judging in Japan for Neos is extremely different from Western orchid judging. There is no individual judging or scores given to individual plants. Judging is only ever done in comparison to the other plants entered at the same event, and judging is also strictly qualitative with no set quantitative measurements. Judging Neos is really more like entering an Art competition than an AOS judging.

Originally Posted by u bada

I'll pm you re facebook, noting your signature here, and curious about how the community is on there as I'm weary of being on fb but at same time value connection to other neo growers...

The community on facebook is quite vibrant. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I also have issue with facebook as a whole and I really only use it for the Neo group. However, I've futzed with my settings and preferences so thoroughly that I rarely ever see anything aside from plants on there anymore, even in the general newsfeed.