Neo in poor condition

[Marissa]

I have mine in traditional Japanese way, Sphag mound, with most of the roots out of the mound. I water once a week and spray the roots once a day and it seems to be working as I see new roots coming out on one of them. It's hard to avoid the water getting into the plant itself when I spray them but it does not seem to bother them.

[LinhT]

Sorry to hear you're having trouble with it. I don't think I can be of much help because all of my neos are grown in the traditional Japanese moss mound with the cavity potted in the Japanese slitted pots. I've had some of them for almost 6 months, some 5 months, some 4 etc.

Just curious as to why you were watering every other day? Are you growing in very low humidity and high temps? Usually in the moss mound, even when the outside feels dry, the inside is still pretty moist.

If the NEW growth and leaves are turning brown then it's probably stressed and may take a LONG time to recover. If it's just the roots going and you still have a few good roots remaining, I think you'd have a better chance if kept under lower light for the time being. Lower light meaning around 1000 fc measured on the leaves under T5's. Hope she gets better, good luck!

[addictedcountryman]

Yes, I live in Tucson- 100 degree 16 percent humidity on a good day. thanks- i am in it for the long haul so i'll keep my fingers crossed. thanks for the tips!!!

[gmaculata]

I use a modified Japanese method. I do not make an air pocket in the moss. I grow them under fluorescent tubes with a oscillating fan nearby. I do not water until the moss is crunchy. They get a dunk for a few minutes in a rainwater light fertilizer solution. I think that it is important to water appropriately no matter what medium you plant in. Mounting is fine if you have the time to mist your plants at every day or twice a day. Back to your problem, I think that the only way to save it is rather radical surgery

1. Remove the stem and all but the top two leaves ( as they appear to be the only ones with out signs of rot)
2. Dunk in a liquid fungicide for 10 minutes
3. Dust with Sulfer or charcoal or cinnamon
4. Let dry for one day
5. Pot in small amount of Sphagnum
6. Place a baggie over the pot and cut off one corner
7. Mist when dry with a liquid fungicide
8. Place in lower light out of direct sun

[Ranchnanny]

Wow after reading all the post regarding neo's I am concerned with my 3 neo's. All are potted in the mounded moss method and all are in the orchidarium. I have been regulating the temp during the day and leaving the vent & door open a bit at nigh to get the temp down. I spray them in the mornings that's it. So far they seem to be doing ok.....

I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Sheridan

[gmdiaz]

Addictedcountryman: I am so sorry you're having a rough go of it.

I live in a very dry climate too. I think you might be overwatering to make up for the humidity being too low and the temps too hot.

I have to grow ALL my orchids inside an orchidarium. . .controlled temps, humidity and air circulation.

The humidity really needs to be at a miniumum 60% all the time. I've noticed that my Neos. start looking stressed when the temps go over 80 degrees.

If this were my little sickie. . .

I'd only use RO water. . .Adding to it a capful of KLN rooting hormone per gallon. Soak the bare root plant for five-ten minutes.

Transplant into a small pot with charcoal on the bottom, bark chips carefully tucked in and around the roots. And top with sphagnum moss.

Lower the light, to Phal light around 1,000 fc.

I think you've got to get a cool mist humidifer and/or keep the Neo in an enclosed, controllable space. . .and Exo-Tank terrarium is a good solution. Being sure to add a LOT of air circulation.

These really really seem to need consistent conditions and great air movement.

My Neos. get watered twice a week and misted as needed.

Good Luck! We're happy to help. . .let us know how it's going.

[addictedcountryman]

thanks!!!!!

[Becca]

Hi! I am not sure if you have performed the surgery as recommended by others yet, but I would like to mention that in regards to the recommendation to cut the stem and and all but the upper two leaves ...I am not a neo expert, but the lower leaves don't' look like they are in trouble yet. I think some neo's normally have the dark color on the tsuke, although I do see that the dark color on your tsuke's isn't consistent so I could be way off on this one. Maybe I should just be sticking my foot in mouth right now!

[luckygrower]

I don't know how much more I can add except a little incouragement, and don't water so much.
I grow mine in similar conditions but not as hot, 85-90 degrees 15% humidity but I only water when the moss is crunchy, with RO water. I give them lots of air movement with two ceiling fans running 24/7. they are on a table next to a west facing window.