My Neofinetia Collection

[coffeecup]

You guys are funny! I found this forum after I had been a member of another orchid forum, but wanted to start posting here since it had a designated Neo area.

I got started on Neos when Satomi and Seed Engei first started selling in Ca. I think I even went to her first show in San Jose. That's when it all started for me. Back then I was a poor college student, but a lot of things have changed since then.

Since I lived in an apartment when I started out, I primarily grew under lights and I have continued to do so now even though I'm in a house. I just like that I'm able to keep an eye on the plants in a more controlled environment. I use T5 lights and grow them in the lower end of Catt lighting. The lights are on a timer between 10-15 hours of the day, but my stand is also in front of a very bright window. They get both natural and artificial light. I have fans on my stand too since it can get hot under those lamps. Its usually around 70+ degrees during the summer time and lower in the winter. They are very temperature tolerant.

I only grow in moss, mounded traditionally and water once to twice a week, depending on the season/temperature and soak the moss through. I've watered with fertilizer and without. I've used Dyna-Gro, but had to stop using that since it was burning my root tips. I suspect its the RO water, and not the fertilizer itself. I may go back to using it once I figure out the pH problem. I also use worm tea, seaweed extract, epsom salt, and am trying out BioGold fertilizer from Japan. I also let the moss dry out completely, except if a plant is in bud/bloom.

Other than that, I really don't do anything special for them. Hope that helps you guys!

[coffeecup]

A couple new ones and a couple updated photos - Senzai, Hime Seikai, Homeiden, Tosamidori, and Soubiryu.

[coffeecup]

My new Toyozakura (my favorite pink) and Seikai in bloom. I love these two!!

[Pilot]

What a nice collection you have. Seikai, I had forgotten, has those unique blooms! My seikai is but one fan... and seems tobe a very slow grower for me!

[coffeecup]

I really *need* to add more non-flower types to my collection. Can't believe I just said that I needed to add more plants to my collection...anyways, but its true! I feel like I am lacking in leaf types...

[LinhT]

Originally Posted by coffeecup

I really *need* to add more non-flower types to my collection. Can't believe I just said that I needed to add more plants to my collection...anyways, but its true! I feel like I am lacking in leaf types...

What kind of leaf types are you looking for?

[s.kallima]

Satomi has some great looking plants on her website in the variegated leaf type... you should have a look, I especially love the Takara Fukurin, Miyakohabutae, and Fuji Nishiki, and of course the Mihata looks fantastic !

[coffeecup]

Originally Posted by LinhT

What kind of leaf types are you looking for?

At this point, I go for whatever sticks out at me. Whenever I see Satomi or Nanae, I have them show me what looks good for the season.

[AnonYMouse]

I think someone is coming home from SB with a few new neos in a couple of weeks.

[rangiku]

I believe you are correct, Anon. Wish I lived so close to Satomi and Nanae. Seeing such a large array of Neos in person was wonderful. I highly recommend people have Satomi speak at their OS.