Do both my bareroot Neofinetias look okay?

[Grawski]

Good afternoon Orchid Board members. I'm Gary Shangraw, and just joined the Board. I'm 72 years old, and happily married. I live in the United States, in the State of Vermont. On a map of the US, it's the far right upper corner. I am an avid plant grower, almost all Epiphytes. Recently, my path has led me to attempt growing Orchids. I have spent quite a bit of time researching the care guides for these beautiful plants. I have used this site in the past, but not as a member.

Today, I have 3 photos. The first photo is a Neofinetia, with a new root tip. This plant seems to be fine.

The 2nd and 3rd photos are different Neofinetia. I have concerns regarding the blacken area at the plant base. I'm hoping for some good news regarding it's condition.

My future plan for these 2 plants are to attempt semi-hydro. But for now, the health of the 2nd plant is my focus.

Thank you all for any comments you provide.

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

You have some decent roots on the second and third (same plant?) Don't worry about imperfections. pot it (them) up and roots will grow, the existing roots will sustain the plant(s) while that's happening.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Neos don't like being cold and wet. What are your growing conditions? Did they arrive bare root? Semi-hydroponics leads to evaporative cooling of the medium. If growing conditions are already on the cool side this may not be the best approach for plants that don't like being cool and wet, like Phalaenopsis and Neofinetia.

[alecStewart1]

Hello friend!

I'd second that semi-hydro isn't really the best for Neos. They like going from wet to dry, arguably wanting to not even spend a ton of time wet during the warmer seasons (like a day or two, maybe three).

Bark can be preferable for some since it doesn't hold on to water like moss does, thus you can water more frequently during the warmer seasons. Moss is good for not having watering as much with bark, as it can hold onto water longer and it distributes water really well amongst itself in any shape (in mounds or just in clumps). It does break down way quick than bark, which is why a lot vendors will prefer bark, plus moss mounds can be more of a chore with a lot of plants.

Bare root also works well, and Roberta does this along with their other Vandas. Bare root does mean you might have to water/mist more often, though, depending on how humid it is where you're growing these.

I will ask: When you say "semi-hydro" how exactly are you doing that?

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Neos don't like being cold and wet. What are your growing conditions? Did they arrive bare root? Semi-hydroponics leads to evaporative cooling of the medium. If growing conditions are already on the cool side this may not be the best approach for plants that don't like being cool and wet, like Phalaenopsis and Neofinetia.

I agree wholeheartedly. In my cool PA conditions, semi-hydro is the kiss of death to Phalaenopsis, and the one time I tried it with Neofinetia the plant definitely declined. After I moved it back into moss, it recovered nicely.

[WB_Yeets]

Hi Gary, I'm a fairly new neofinetia falcata grower myself in Oregon.

Regarding the black coloration on the lower part of your second plant, that is usually nothing to be too concerned about. That dark color is caused by anthocyanin pigments, and is a natural feature of some varieties of neofinetia falcata.

Regarding the semi-hydro, I echo the sentiments of others, and advise against it. Neos are epiphytic in nature and are quite adept at going considerable periods without water. Constant moisture would likely quickly lead to rot.