Repotting Neofinetia falcata

[MJSK]

Two years ago I read about the Neofinetia falcata in Orchid Digest and of course purchased one. A year later it grew 5 new growths and flowered. Of course this lead to new purchases, excited that I have the culture down and was going to expand my collection. I did not change anything, except to try to NOT to over water - I have lost many orchids to this problem. This Spring I lost two and the remaining ones developed several brown leaves and some black spots. Only one new growth on my older plant, which did not flower. I have seen a lot of root growth, though some is sluggish and some roots shriveled. I have trying to still not over water as we have a lot of humidity in Boston this Summer. We had a few weeks of humidity, overcast skys with a lot of rain. I have been letting the sphag moss dry out before watering again and trying to miss the new roots. I have recently introduced a KLN, Pro-Tekt, dynagro fertilizing regime,but have not seen much progress, though the plants don't appear to be worse. All the Neos are potted in the traditional way in the round pots with openings and in Sphag moss. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps they should have all been repotted. How often should repotting be done and is it too late in the season?

[Ross]

I am new to Neos, this year, but I have seen some changes in plant behavior this year in general. I am thinking the weird spring/summer weather, the higher than normal humidity, the hot/cold weather cycles during a typical week, all seem to be affecting plants of all types. For instance I have fall-blooming Goldenrod in bloom alongside spring blooming Penstemon. I have a couple orchids that have been sending out spikes from partially developed pseudobulbs (one Bllra has been in bloom off-and-on for 18 months!) My Neos are to new to comment on your questions, but I can see where a similar water/fertilizer regimen may still lead to rot, etc. I think you are doing everything right as regards the chemicals. Don't overdo, though. That could lead to shocking the plants. Roots that languish and then suddenly send out new root growth seem to be common for me this year. Other than that, I will watch for more sagely advice from others here.

[littlefrog]

I think you need to repot more frequently, especially if you are fertilizing heavily. Sphagnum breaks down rather quickly under those conditions.

I would also hazard a guess that they aren't getting enough light. Repotting alone wouldn't inhibit flowering (they'd just die with no roots..). What few I have I put outside during the summer under about 50% shade. They stay outside until it gets quite chilly. This isn't all that different than their habitat, I believe.

Neos grow great on mounts... I know it is heretical, but I like to grow them that way.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by littlefrog

Neos grow great on mounts... I know it is heretical, but I like to grow them that way.

Thank you Rob! The one I have mounted in my orchidarium is doing fantastic. Just not getting cool enough temps to flower. I noticed rotting roots on the sphag plants. Think they are all destined for mounts soon.

[MJSK]

Thanks for all the response. I see you are from Michigan which may have a similar climate to Boston, Mass. Definitely, my garden was different due to the Spring weather we had here. My Neos are in a Southwest window that is a tall non-pained window. This time of year the sun is definitely more overhead, in the winter the sun slants right in during the afternoon. I am alternating fertilizer with just plain water as well. Is it too late to repot?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by MJSK

Thanks for all the response. I see you are from Michigan which may have a similar climate to Boston, Mass. Definitely, my garden was different due to the Spring weather we had here. My Neos are in a Southwest window that is a tall non-pained window. This time of year the sun is definitely more overhead, in the winter the sun slants right in during the afternoon. I am alternating fertilizer with just plain water as well. Is it too late to repot?

I would say, no! Light appears fine and watering sounds OK. Try new sphagnum. I personally will be moving all mine to mounts soon as posssible.

[Jorch]

What is your spraying habit and how much air flow do the plants get? Water left on leaf axis or spraying the plant (not the roots only) late at night often leads to brown spotted leaves VERY quickly. Especially if the water/spray water contains chemicals! Sphag holds a lot of water, and if you water with that much chemicals, it would kill the roots. Sometimes, less is more, especially when it comes to fertilizing. It would be best if you fertilize the plant, then flush the pot thoroughly about an hour afterwards. Even in the summer, Neofinetias do prefer drying out between watering. Overly wet conditions, not enough light and airflow, plus heavy chemical usage will kill the plant in no time.

Also, I have heard (not sure how true it is), that Neofinetias will expire after a few years if they don't get a winter rest.

[littlefrog]

I know Alex was potting up some neos a few days ago, so at least around here it isn't too late. Early is better than late, but they should still be ok.

Nice thing about mounting them is you can water almost as much as you want. I water the mounts in the dark all winter... And sometimes in the summer. I'm not much of a morning person.

Rob

[Ross]

Originally Posted by littlefrog

I know Alex was potting up some neos a few days ago, so at least around here it isn't too late. Early is better than late, but they should still be ok.

Nice thing about mounting them is you can water almost as much as you want. I water the mounts in the dark all winter... And sometimes in the summer. I'm not much of a morning person.

Rob

Me 2. I water my mounted Neo whenever I get to it.

[luckygrower]

MJSK
A few things that I would like to address,
1. I have been trying to find a copy of the article you mention from the Orchid Digest as I was lucky enough to meet the author this weekend at the Santa Barbara orchid show but he said all back issues have been sold out.

If anyone knows were I can get a copy please let me know

2. He said Neo's do not like excessive salts and advised me not to fertilize more than once a month at a very weak mixture.
3.For those of you interested in mounted Neo's here is a picture of one that was at Cal Orchids, they had a very large selection for sale.