Neo in Glass

[Pilot]

Hey all--

This is my one and only neo. I'm tempted to get more but for now, I need to see how I do with this guy.

I got this plant back at the end of summer and potted it in moss in a small rounded pot where most of the moss was above the pot (it really just sat in it) with the pot having very quick drainage. The moss seemed to do the trick for a while; however, I found this thing wasn't doing so swell any more when i noticed it was losing part of one of its new roots-- it doesn't have many. So I decided it needed a change.

The problem is, my environment is quite dry. Loads of people say their winter climate is dry and that may be true, but 10% RH or less is quite common here in Colorado-- making watering with moss a challenge. More over, evaporative cooling is a real issue here as well. Needless to say, I use germination mats quite a bit for many of my plants that like it warmer than others.

So I got to thinking that I needed to balance watering with temp and the plants need for some dryness during the Winter months and it occurred to me that using a vase, much like the ones you see in the Vanda forum, just might do the trick.

So here is my neo in its new home. The glass allows me to keep up RH inside the container all the while allowing air to circulate (to some degree) as well as allowing me to quickly water this guy so he gets what he needs.

I don't know if this will work-- but the moss isn't cutting it and vandaceous orchids seem to sulk in semi-hydroponics (my preferred method for my phals and others). I have a neostylis potted like this and so far, it has no complaints and it growing some new root tips (no new roots as of yet).

I have stuffed the top with some moist moss mostly to keep the thing hydrated a bit more since it was losing root mass-- I don't plan on keeping this as a permanent feature except for when I go out of town and need some extra water-retaining capabilities.

Your thoughts? I know this is not the traditional method of potting neos-- but is it foolish? Is there anything, culturally speaking, that this method will lack? I'm interested in the forum's perspective. I hope this works because I like the little plant-- even out of bloom its pretty neat.

Oh I also forgot to mention that the roots stay nice and warm if given some sunlight-- but a quick wrap of foil will shield the roots and keep it cool (this works out great for any clear pot!!! You can also use mylar).

Sorry about the margarita in the back... its not mine-- mine was finished off long ago-- the wife has such amazing restraint. LOL




Next to my neostylis-- check out the size difference!

[nutgirl]

Ryan, that's great!

The glass vases give a very elegant look and the plants obviously like it.

FYI - I grow vandas in vases and neofinitias S/H. They both are thriving.

Maureen

[Zoi2]

Neat idea, very nice display too.
Joann

[camille1585]

I agree, it's a neat idea. if it can work for Vandas, it should work for Neos. How long have you had your Neostylis in the vase? Seems to be happy like that.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by camille1585

I agree, it's a neat idea. if it can work for Vandas, it should work for Neos. How long have you had your Neostylis in the vase? Seems to be happy like that.

Camille I've had the neo for a few months but only put it in this vase last night. I had no idea it had a few longer roots-- they're strong and turgid and will hopefully enjoy the new surroundings.

As for the neostylis and I've had that for a few months as well- its been in the vase since I got it and so far so good.

I also have a Vanda but it isn't working out as well at the neostylis. I'm changing my methods a bit for it-- hopefully it'll get going again. Humidity is a constant battle here. I should train my dog to breathe on the roots. LOL

[camille1585]

For the Vanda, what about putting a bit of leca at the bottom of the vase with a little water? As long as the roots aren't sitting in it the humidity would be a bit higher.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by camille1585

For the Vanda, what about putting a bit of leca at the bottom of the vase with a little water? As long as the roots aren't sitting in it the humidity would be a bit higher.

Hi Camille-- I tried this before without much success but its an easy thing to do so I'll give it another try. I put the Vanda in a smaller vase so its easier to fill with water, too. That way I can saturate the roots when they need it and then empty it out. There are enough smaller roots to keep the leca from falling out of the vase if thats the route i go.

So far, so good with the neo-- seems to be adjusting fine re humidity.

[camille1585]

Didn't think about the Leca falling out when you dump out the water! I'd be interested to know how the Neo does over the long term, I'd love to try it since sphag mounds and I didn't really get along.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Didn't think about the Leca falling out when you dump out the water! I'd be interested to know how the Neo does over the long term, I'd love to try it since sphag mounds and I didn't really get along.

You and me both!!!! Sphag helps in my dry climate but it still has the same issues it always had with my use-- dries out super fast on the outside and stays too wet in the center-- there's never a uniformity to it for me-- except in the case of the phals I mounted in mesh bags-- those dry out more or less uniformly.

[Pilot]

Just wanted to update you guys on the goings on with my neostylis and my neofineta.... both are growing happily in their glasses-- new roots and new buds from old roots-- so far, so good. The neostylis was even moved to a taller vase because it had outgrown the height of the other and I didn't want its roots sitting in water. I'll post pics soon.