Neofinitia - too late to repot?

[smweaver]

I agree with the others who've stated that Neofinetia falcata is a hardy and (generally) no-fuss species, especially compared to most vandas. One question for you: Are you giving your plant a cool and dry(ish) winter rest? At this time of year this species is generally dormant, with minimal root and leaf growth, so a medium that retains more moisture (like NZ sphagnum) will probably be more beneficial to your plant next spring when it comes out of its dormancy and initiates a new flush of roots, instead of the middle of winter. The species is adapted to warm, wet monsoonal weather during the spring through fall months, followed by a cool (and even cold) and dry winter. The time of year and the plant's associated seasonal habits should dictate when to repot, if possible. And since giving it a cool/dry winter rest will encourage it to flower next spring, I'm not sure I would try a major repotting project right now (this, however, is just an opinion based on my personal experience with this species). Good luck with your plant.

[Stray59]

I am totally encouraged that I can raise this little guy. It so happens that I had already placed it in a north window which stays a good 10 degrees (F) cooler. I winter over several orcs in this window that need the cool resting period to bloom.
Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it!
Steve

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I have had my Neofinetia falcata growing for several years (6 years if I'm not mistaken). Never had a serious problem with them. They are starting to get overgrown. The roots are spilling out of their pots. I have both growing in large grade bark outdoors all year round here in SoCal with no issues whatsoever. It takes very little effort to get them to bloom.

Hopefully this should give you an idea of how hardy and how easy to grow this orchid really is.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Stray59

I am totally encouraged that I can raise this little guy. It so happens that I had already placed it in a north window which stays a good 10 degrees (F) cooler. I winter over several orcs in this window that need the cool resting period to bloom.
Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it!
Steve

These grow on deciduous trees, so like pretty bright light in winter ...

[vjo]

About 2 months ago I lost one of my Neos, I mean really lost it.I had pulled it out of its pot, I was also repotting a few others, well when took it out I decided I didnt have the pot I needed so I put it aside and finished doing the others. Well when I went to repot the little thing I couldnt find it! I looked for it for hours! Went through the garbage, nothing ,looked everywhere nothing. Finally decided that it must have fallen on the floor and one of the dogs ate it! Well last week I needed another pot so was going through them and there it was in the bottom of another pot with a couple others stacked on top of it, looking just like it did when I put t in there. No light, no water for 2 months!!! Looking fine. I think they are pretty hardy, yours will be just fine.Don't worry.....Jean

[jamesallen]

My Neo thrives too. It has increased bloom output every year. I found it tolerates cold well and loves to be outside during summers. It seems to be the easiest aside from phals to bloom. But it is slowly losing it's fragrance. anyone know if there is something I can do to improve the scent?

[syspila]

Hello Folks in Neoland--I just picked up a couple of Neofinetia's: Oonamiseikai and a Kishusekko. TheOonamiseikai is in great shape yet the Kishusekko has got some heavy light and little water issues and is 3 separate divisions, apparently 3 separat plants now. The worst plant seems to be rallying with a very small offshoot. I am inclined to repot it...what do you all think? I don't see where these were ever one plant either. Should I follow as above? It is July now and I am in the midwest, Ohio Valley.

[coffeecup]

Originally Posted by syspila

Hello Folks in Neoland--I just picked up a couple of Neofinetia's: Oonamiseikai and a Kishusekko. TheOonamiseikai is in great shape yet the Kishusekko has got some heavy light and little water issues and is 3 separate divisions, apparently 3 separat plants now. The worst plant seems to be rallying with a very small offshoot. I am inclined to repot it...what do you all think? I don't see where these were ever one plant either. Should I follow as above? It is July now and I am in the midwest, Ohio Valley.

Its fine to repot. Sometimes Neos like to break away from each other while in the pot. It happens.

[syspila]

Thanks very much. I can see where this part of enjoying orchids gets very addictive!