Neofinetia falcata 'Cosmo' - Orchid Board

Mokeck · #1 11-05-2013, 12:28 AM

For all the Neo fans here on OB. I love this plant enough to name it after my dear dog, Cosmo, who had curly hair.
Cosmo @ 13 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

This is the first time it's bloomed in Fall, always putting on a big show in May. This monster plant measures 18 in (about 46 cm) diagonal width and sits in a 4" teak basket placed in an 8" one. I have two other varieties, Amami Island and shutennou, also in bloom now. Supposedly the largest fukiran, the Amami Island is a few years younger and about half the size of this one. The three pics are front, side, and rear. I take it out of the tree and hang it by the back door so we don't miss the fragrance coming through an open window. Coconut cake, anyone?

vjo · #2 11-05-2013, 05:47 AM

WOW Mokeck, those are huge! I just planted about 20 of mine in those wooden baskets this fall hoping that at some point they will be as large and floriferous as yours. Very nice specimens!
Your dog was aptly named, what a cutie...Jean

Bolero · #3 11-05-2013, 06:12 AM

That is an amazing plant.....

brn_thmbs · #4 11-05-2013, 10:13 AM

Great specimen & good growing

Mokeck · #5 11-05-2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjo

Your dog was aptly named, what a cutie...Jean

Thanks, Jean. She passed away 3 years ago but it still feels like yesterday. My constant companion, I remember taking this blooming Neo down for her to smell. When she realized she couldn't eat it, she walked away.

Wood baskets with a little tree fern work well here. When it outgrows one basket just push it into another larger one. It makes for good presentation too, like it's sitting on a throne and we all know Neos are royalty.

Thanks Bolero and brn_thmbs (great name!). I'm pretty sure it's the Amami Island clone, which is known for heat tolerance. Back in 2005 I was told by a local grower that Neos will grow, lots of vegetation, but little or no flowers. This little experiment proves otherwise as most years it snows flowers from April-June... and gets me all sentimental because I remember a good dog I loved a lot.

nikkik · #6 11-05-2013, 10:40 AM

That is fantastic! Great growing!

Your dog was adorable and I'm sorry for your loss.

Mokeck · #7 11-05-2013, 10:48 AM

Thanks, nikkik. When you grow in Miami you always feel like your cheating a bit. They grow themselves as long as I stay out of the way! Your condolences are appreciated. When I moved from Boston to Miami in 1998 I had no friends here. Enter Cosmo...

rangiku · #8 11-05-2013, 10:52 AM

Gorgeous specimen, Mokeck - you should bring it to AOS judging when it flowers in April-June. Wonderful growing.

Cosmo is an adorable girl and will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

WhiteRabbit · #9 11-05-2013, 08:21 PM

Wow! Fabulous!

Mokeck · #10 11-06-2013, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangiku

Gorgeous specimen, Mokeck - you should bring it to AOS judging when it flowers in April-June. Wonderful growing.

Cosmo is an adorable girl and will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you, rangiku. I've never taken a plant to judging but want to start doing that in 2014. It would be nice to see 'Cosmo' with an award though I have no idea what makes a good Neo. This one is large, that's for sure.

Thank you too, Sonya.