1st Neofinetia Falcata for me

[Grandma M]

Growing one in a vanda basket sounds interesting. I want to try it.

I have one growing in a pot with CHC mix and it is doing fine. It's putting out new roots and leaves.
Can you answer a couple of questions? Should I use a wood basket or one of the black plastic mesh baskets?
What medium should I use?
I have one in the traditional moss style but I too have trouble knowing when to water it. It isn't dying but neither is it a happy camper.

Marilyn

[gmdiaz]

Originally Posted by Ranchnanny

Well the Neo bug has bitten me and I am looking for one that has the pink stems and one with yellow flowers.
Would like to hear where all of you fellow OB's have purchased your Neo's. I think I am going to try my hand at mounting one and then growing one in a vanda basket.

Sheridan

I would love to have a yellow flowered one too. I've gotten all my Neos from Glenn and New World Orchids. He has an awesome selection that he brings back from Japan.

Have fun!

[gmdiaz]

Originally Posted by mspatt

I just got a Shu Ten Nou from NWO and Dr. Lehr had it potted in the traditional Japanese style. I would like to hear some opinions from people who do not use the traditional method. I have seen some gorgeous plants in plain old Vanda baskets and am considering doing that with mine--though his potting is a work of art and I kind of hate to destroy it...

There are so many ways to grow these and all seem to work well depending on your conditions.

The main thing is that they need good humidity, super good air circulation. The moss mounds are so lovely but you have to be careful about watering. Dunking seems to collapse the cavity inside the moss mound, so spraying works better for me. I've had good luck with mounting on cork. But for most of mine, I have the best luck with bark chips.

Because it's soooo dry here, I have to grow my Neos in an enclosed grow rack. I plant them in gorgeous Erin Pottery pots with chunks of charcoal on the bottom, medium-sized bark chips and bits of chopped sphagnum tucked around the roots and then a layer of long strand sphagnum moss on top to hold in the moisture and to pretty it up. Check out on my gallery for pics.

Wishing you great growing!

[shams]

Originally Posted by Ranchnanny

Well the Neo bug has bitten me and I am looking for one that has the pink stems and one with yellow flowers.
Would like to hear where all of you fellow OB's have purchased your Neo's. I think I am going to try my hand at mounting one and then growing one in a vanda basket.

Sheridan

Welcome to our Bandwagon!

I've gotten all my neos (except the classic white) from Glenn at New World Orchids. I LOVE the Shotennou, but the Momo Hime (peach princess) is pretty cute too, and is on my wish list.

Up next, however is a green and maybe a yellow... still deciding.

[Ranchnanny]

gmdiaz, I have been to your gallery of Neo's and WOW I am so impressed. I love all of them and I love the pots they are in. Where did you get those pots ... I noticed that one was potted in charcoal and bark is that all that is in there? I have those two mediums in the gh but I am not sure about it. Does the bark stay to wet? I understand they like to be cool but I would like to put them in the orchidarium for humidty but I fear it might be to warm. I want to get more of these Neo's but I will wait until I see my new one starting to grow.

Sorry for all the ??? but yours look wonderful

Sheridan

[gmdiaz]

I guess you can you tell that I love Neos and Erin pottery?

Check out Vic Harris' pots at Erin Bonsai. . .you will love these pots! They're even more beautiful in person. I've got a lot of them. . .maybe 60! They look so beautiful together.

Regarding the potting medium. . .the bark does not stay too wet but I have bright T5 lights and super good air circulation, humidity around 80%. Temps are high around 76 and low at 68 at the moment.

So glad you enjoyed the pictures. . .these are such great plants. . .so interesting, all year long.

[gmaculata]

Originally Posted by mspatt

I just got a Shu Ten Nou from NWO and Dr. Lehr had it potted in the traditional Japanese style. I would like to hear some opinions from people who do not use the traditional method. I have seen some gorgeous plants in plain old Vanda baskets and am considering doing that with mine--though his potting is a work of art and I kind of hate to destroy it...

I don't use the traditional method entirely... I use several methods one with a solid ball of moss with the roots in the middle. I also use packing peanuts in the middle with moss over that.

[gmaculata]

Originally Posted by Ranchnanny

Well the Neo bug has bitten me and I am looking for one that has the pink stems and one with yellow flowers.
Would like to hear where all of you fellow OB's have purchased your Neo's. I think I am going to try my hand at mounting one and then growing one in a vanda basket.

Sheridan

I use New World Orchids. Glenn is my "dealer" of choice. He is very knowledgeable and fast to respond (when he is not in Japan)