Pilot's Neos

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Awesome, is aquamat the same thing like hygrolon?

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by TOMMYMIAMI

Awesome, is aquamat the same thing like hygrolon?

Tommy I think they're similar but with obvious manufacturing difference.

[Pilot]

Hello all and merry Christmas!

It's been a bit now that I've returned from my trip in which when I returned found my systems had basically tried to destroy my collection. It's been a disheartening couple of days as I've lost more plants. 2013 has not been an easy year for me as an orchid grower and I'm ready to put this to an end and move on to better orchid growing days.

I've looked over the data and looked at the issues I could regarding my plants and have come to a few decisions I will implement over the next few weeks. The first was an immediate, and that was replacing the t8 lamp that broke with a much better made t5 lamp from hydro farm. I got a four bulb one this time instead of eight as I'm space limited and I want it to fit my metro cart.

Next up, I have decided I can no longer continue growing these plants in the traditional ways. My data reveals that my humidity plummeted after my system failed (light broke and the misting system soaked everything afterwards and then also stopped working). So the plants were cold and wet and then dried out to the point of damage. 7% RH was measured for nearly two days. 7% is sickly low. It happens in Colorado a lot because we live at the whim of our mountains and thankfully it doesn't last long but this time it last long enough to desiccate my poor plants that were not the strongest. Because of these challenges, I have decided that though not as pretty as the moss, my plants will now grow in semi hydroponics. My Amani group has grown from five fans to 40+ in sh and it doesn't even live in my grow space but in the harsh environment of my state. Further evidence supports this decision made relevant by my Fugaku, which despite being what some here called incredibly variegated (and I agree lol), it has grown strong in sh. I have removed it from sh to check on its health and while I had hoped for more impressive root growth, it did plant this plant in sh after it lost all of its roots and now it has roots again, all are strong and healthy. I do think I need to fertilize it more though...I tend to be lean on the plant food I think because I'm afraid to feed these plants. Anyway, with two very successful sh attempts with these plants I feel it is reasonable o proceed in this way. Wish me luck!




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[Call_Me_Bob]

Sweet stuff! How do you like the hygrolon?

[Red Orchid]

Merry Christmas to you as well and carry on successfully with this project.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Call_Me_Bob

Sweet stuff! How do you like the hygrolon?

I have a Japanese dend in the aqua mat but it's under an auto mister that hits it often which works out well, but for my neos it isn't working. I think if I had a similar misting system set up it would work but like with any orchid, the new roots have to be fostered in that new environment for it to really work.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Red Orchid

Merry Christmas to you as well and carry on successfully with this project.

It's gonna work I can feel it! Lol. It may kill more orchids but I have seen the results and it's worth it. At least for me. I never see me showing these plants so if I have loads of fans and blooms but in sh, then I'm fine with that!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[vjo]

I agree with you Ryan, I am never going to show mine so I took them out of the Neo pots and put them in wood baskets. VERY loose moss, and they seem to be just fine. I do have to water more often but I don't care.
I noticed when Matt took pics of Glenn's plants they were all potted in regular pots also so I guess he doesn't keep his in moss filled neo pots all the time either. At least I didn't see any pics of them....Jean

PS I think it all boils down to we have to do what we are comfortable with in our conditions.

[MattWoelfsen]

Right Jean, I talked to Glenn about his growing methods. He uses square pots and puts these pots in holders that allow maximum air circulation. He uses a very high grade of sphagnum moss. During the winter, the plants are not watered as much but the humidity is high and the daytime light is very bright. There are huge fans at one end of the green house that circulate the air. Those nice black Neofinetia pots are designed for individuals to grow their plants at home that would stimulate optimum air circulation. But for a grower like New World Orchids, they take up too much space. Kristen, Glenn's partner, told me that when they get an order for a plant, they repot out of nursery pots and into those little black footed Neo pots.

Like you say, I am not going to show my plants anytime soon--I did show off my Higashidemiyako in its Ginger created Cubby Pot at my society's meeting last month--they all oooo'd and ahhh'd, but wanted to know why it didn't have any flowers? LOL!!

I'm keeping my plants in the pot they arrived in--unless it looks like it is in trouble, I just leave it alone. BTW, now that a full month of winter weather has come and gone, I'm finally relaxing--took your's and Ryan's advice and I'm just "chillin" with my Neos.

[vjo]

Just remember that by the time you see trouble on some of these little ones it is too late. That happened to me with a couple of mine, the leaves looked fine for a long time but by the time I discovered there was a problem it was too late...Jean