Finally! My First Neostylis Lou Sneary Bluebird Spike

[Joseia]

I bought this Neostylis Lous Sneary Bluebird in April 2013 for a good price from a local vendor since it had just finished blooming. It has taken me a long time to figure out what this plant needs and nearly killed it three times. After being scorched by strong light and nearly dying during my S/H experiments, I finally figured it out...I think. Hopefully, this plant can focus on making lots of flowers instead of having to survive my clumsy attempts to care for it.

This first pic was taken yesterday:



The next pic was taken last week, with the spike just peeking out:



And finally, a shot of the whole plant:

[rangiku]

Excellent growing. I don't see any scorch marks like I have on my Fuchs Cream Puff from February-March sun. None of my Phals that are with it got any sunburn. Go figure!

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by rangiku

Excellent growing. I don't see any scorch marks like I have on my Fuchs Cream Puff from February-March sun. None of my Phals that are with it got any sunburn. Go figure!

That picture is from it's good side lol. The other side is nicely toasted in the center, along the 'spine' of the plant.

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments! I'll post pics of the blooms, don't worry about that.

---------- Post added at 06:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:20 PM ----------

Originally Posted by brn_thmbs

good growing
is that a glass jar you're growing it in? if so, how did you get the holes in it.

It's not glass, it's a plastic ice cream container, brand name is Talenti. Good ice cream, and with a few modifications, they have been great orchid pots. I punch holes in the bottom and 5 slits along the side, about 3/4 of the way up now. My wife knows new orchids are on the horizon when I ask her to buy more ice cream.

---------- Post added at 06:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:24 PM ----------

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Awesome!

I tried hard to kill my Lou Sneary, as well - but it refused to die, and has been doing great since I got it figured out

Yes, they are really quite tough little plants. I don't know of too many houseplants that could lose a set of roots TWICE and still live, let alone bloom 4 months later. I tried everything I could think of with this Neo, and for me the trick was putting it inside an aquarium, with a cover and fan where the humidity stayed around 65-70%.

---------- Post added at 06:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:29 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Picotee

The plant looks very healthy. I'm waiting for my 'Bluebirds' to wake up. They usually start spiking in December. Looking forward to seeing your blooms.

Will these bloom once a year, or several times a year?

---------- Post added at 06:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:32 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Jayfar

Mine, bought in bloom last April, began a new spike a couple weeks ago, but it is still growing very slowly at this point, about a half inch.

I saw the flower spike for the first time on 10/25, and it grew very slowly until last weekend. It took off once it reached about an inch long.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by Joseia

I saw the flower spike for the first time on 10/25, and it grew very slowly until last weekend. It took off once it reached about an inch long.

Thanks, that's good to know. I'll just keep it in a bright spot and hope the spike takes off running soon.

[MattWoelfsen]

Very nice, healthy looking plant Joseia! Please post pictures when the spike opens up and blooms! The flowers on this plant are long lived. I have one and it is still in bloom, going on three weeks now. A very light scent most obvious around dusk.

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

I tried hard to kill my Lou Sneary, as well - but it refused to die, and has been doing great since I got it figured out

[brn_thmbs]

good growing
is that a glass jar you're growing it in? if so, how did you get the holes in it.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Awesome and very healthy looking plants also!

[Bud]

You have a happy healthy plant with just the right color green on the leaves. It means you are giving it the right light.
I am excited for you. The spike will open its blooms to fragrant lovely flowers.

[NYCorchidman]