Growing Neofinetia falcata in winter months

[luckygrower]

Thank you for answering all of our questions. The information is greatly appreciated.
Mike

[cabnc]

Traded for a Neofinetia falcata Shutenno yesterday This plant came from New World Orchids. Alex spoke to the Cape Fear Orchid Society, Wilmington, NC a few months back and brought plants I was not able to attend so missed out But yesterday visited a friend who was willing to part with this one. It is mounted on a small (2-1/2" x 8-1/2") board, nothing fancy. He grows in a modest greenhouse and it appears to be growing a new, third fan back against the board. But roots appear sparce. I grow outside under the trees in summer and inside under lights in winter. Couple of questions:
1. I would like to keep it outside as much as possible to maximize light, air circulation, humidity etc. Reading threads it will do OK into the low 40's at night ?
2. Can it take a full southern exposure this time of year ? Or should it be in some degree of shade ?
3. Is having it mounted OK or would you suggest potting it ?

Charlie

[luckygrower]

I'm no expert but I will answer as best I can from my experiences.
1. They enjoy good air circulation, medium light not full sun and good humidity but mine gets as low as 15%.
2. I would give it some sun but not to much,mine get about 2 hours of sun through the open window.
3. I would keep it mounted as trying to remove it could damage the roots. Mounted plants do require more frequent waterings.

[CoolPhrog]

Welcome Glen! It's great to have you with us!!! I also want to thank you for your willingness to help us with our neos

I have a Neo falcata with 8 fans and two bloom spikes that has been growing bare root in a small basket. Should I reduce the misting/watering based on this or do you suggest I follow your general "winter" instructions?

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[Roly0217]

I'm glad I read this post. It gave me all of the answers that I needed. I guess I'll have to wait uuntil sring to see more growths. I must get me some more of this mini beauties !!!!

[Call_Me_Bob]

i just got a neofinetia falcata 'setsu-zan' and it is potted in bark. im going to repot it, but i dont know what im ging to pot it in. i have the cutest little hanging basket that would be PERFECT. but, i dont know if that is ok. is that ok? if so what would i put inside the basket? ( i cant do bare root )

[IndianaGardener]

Hi all,

I'm new here. I have had the first successes with orchids this year. First with Habenaria (flowered, now dormant) and then with Ludisia (setting buds now). I've tried orchids in the past without success, but these seem to suit my care practices and conditions.

Another orchid has since caught my eye. Neo. f. 'Shutennou' to be exact. The color alone was what first drew me to it. Then I read on a Japanese website that it was discovered in Kochi-Ken in the mid 1960s. Now that I know it's from Kochi, I really want to grow one. That region is special to me.

I have a terrarium I can keep it in during the growing season. It's the same one the Ludisia are in. I think that it could then rest for a few months in the winter in my heated outbuilding. It's kept about 55ºF.

Originally Posted by Fuukiran

In Japan, some growers place the plants in a cardboard box in unheated garages for the winter!!!

Glenn, I would like more information regarding this method if possible. Or if lights are better for it even at cooler temperatures?
Thanks.


David

[DelawareJim]

David;

Welcome to OrchidBoard.

Neos are great plants and you'll really enjoy Shutennou.

I grow my plants in east facing windowsills. If they are in a sphagnum mound, I let them get crispy dry in the winter then thoroughly soak them, which usually works out to be about every 7-10 days. If they are in bark, I water as I would any other orchid, about once per week.

Lowering the temps will help induce flowering, but is not necessary for good growth. Last year I didn't chill and got great growth but spotty flowering. This year I moved a couple into my unheated garage where it's dropped down to 44'F when it was in the mid teens outside.

As a side note, you'll get better responses if you posted your questions as a regular post instead of adding to a sticky meant for informational purposes. Also, if you want info from Glenn you're best to e-mail or call him directly from New World Orchids.

Cheers.
Jim

[IndianaGardener]

Thanks for the info, Jim. That's good to know that at least they won't die if they don't get enough rest like some plants do. I'm amazed that they still produce growth ok even though they flower more sparsely.

I think you're right about emailing Glenn directly. Only after posting did I check his profile and realize he's quite inactive here.

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

As a side note, you'll get better responses if you posted your questions as a regular post instead of adding to a sticky meant for informational purposes.

Thanks, I must have misunderstood...

Originally Posted by Fuukiran

If you have any questions on culture - post em here!

David

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

As a side note, you'll get better responses if you posted your questions as a regular post instead of adding to a sticky meant for informational purposes. Also, if you want info from Glenn you're best to e-mail or call him directly from New World Orchids.

It often is the case that you get better answers if you create a new thread. Unlike some forums we don't say "There's already a thread for that, don't start a new one". Rather we find from experience that members get better answers when starting a new thread and so that's what we advise you do, it's not a rule... just our advice to help get the answers you need.

A sticky is not just meant for information. They are also used for common threads that we want to keep at the top even if they have not been active in a while. Many of the stickies can actually be quite active at times. Also you are right David, that Glenn did say to ask any questions here.

Anyway, in this case as you have already decided it's probably best to contact Glenn directly in case he does not see this, and if anyone else has answers it makes sense for them to post them here. I'm afraid I can't help with anything Neo related as I've not tried them (yet... I'm sure it won't be long )