That surprises me. Most of the hybrids bloom more often.

When they get established, they should bloom twice a year, at least, I have read. I'm very much hoping this is true. :)

Well, first, I grow exclusively under artificial light; a combination of Metal Halide, T5 HOs and LEDs. I had read that Neos needed cattleya level light, which was around 2000fc. So I cranked up the MH light and roasted the plant for 3 weeks before I relaized what was happening. I eventually got the light figured out.

But I really think my main problem was a media that dried too quick and was too porous, in a home with dry air. This plant came in moss, so the existing roots died when I repotted into large bark. And the new roots would dry up and stop growing for some reason and I could see the whole plant was drying up. I repotted yet again into medium sized bark and charcoal, and then placed it into a cheap aquarium with a pc fan, along with some other plants. I kept the humidity around 65-70 % and increased my watering to every three days, and the plant responded with tons of new roots and new leaves.

One more thing, perhaps. I bought an RO system from First Rays at the same time I moved the Neo into the tank. My tap water varies in TDS from about 180-215 throughout the year. With the RO system, TDS averages around 8ppm. Perhaps it was the cleaner water and the increased humidity.

Sounds like you are doing a great job caring for it. :)

Congratulations!

Neo help
 

Thanks for your culture tips. Mine was also in spag and I left it alone for too long without replacing and lost most of the roots. I caught it in time and redid the spag watching a video on how to do it. I now keep it in a little greenhouse I bought at Ikea wiith a ludisia. Someday maybe it will flower. I think it's getting enough light.

Mine just came from OL it was packed so well I should have taken a pic of that but I was too excited to get to the plant. It is a great specimen already blooming and has two new spikes developing. Woo hoo. Sorry for hijacking your thread I didn't want to start a new thread just for this :blushing:

Lucky you!

Ginger, once all your buds are in bloom, they have a very gentle scent, reminds of sachet. I'm always impressed with Orchids Limited plants. They always package their plants really well, and their plants are very healthy--a little bit more expensive but well worth the price.

I agree re OL the plants I receive from them are really strong. I smelled that scent as I was opening the box Matt...divine.:)