Getting Neos to Bloom

[Miss_Cat]

Random question but how do you get your Neos to bloom again?

Most of my small collection which was bought in bloom 2-3 years ago is just growing roots right now. Is it too early for them to start spiking?

[jeremiah.chua]

I normally see the spike heads pop out during fall/winter, when they're go/are in winter rest. Then it resumes to grow when warmer weather rolls around.

I am curious to other people's experience.

[Pilot]

I report the same but with a caveat....I never seem to notice the spikes initial growth. It's quite likely that they do grow this way, I just always miss the initial grow stage!


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[coffeecup]

They typically form in late winter/early spring, depending on the temperature, in my experience.

[MattWoelfsen]

I started noticing little "mitten"-like growth peeking out of the Tsuke in late January. But since mid-March as the root tips started showing color and elongating, these growths have been accelerating. I have observed that the longer the roots get the faster these growths grow. The plants that are showing no signs of root growth, have no growths at the Tsuke.

[Red Orchid]

I am like you Ryan I usually miss those little spikes developing they take me by surprise.

I honestly think that there is no special thing I can do to get the plants to bloom I give them what they need to thrive & they decide about blooming. I appreciate the beauty of their foliage, roots, the mounding and I love makes those pots. (Thanks Pilot) So the blooms are an added gift but not the only reason I grow them.

[vjo]

I am with Ginger on this one, I love the plants, they are beautiful, the blooms when I get them are just a bonus!...Jean

[Red Orchid]

Originally Posted by vjo

I am with Ginger on this one, I love the plants, they are beautiful, the blooms when I get them are just a bonus!...Jean

Yup they are winners.

[AnonYMouse]

The Neo-elves come when I'm sleeping and stick spikes on my plants. I seem to remember this happening in May-June.

[Miss_Cat]

Thanks for all the good words. I'm still at a loss though. Any advice would be extremely helpful. Here are some specifics. Let me know what you think.

I grow my Neos. in the house year-round under T5's with an average 50-60% humidity and let them dry out between watering. I repotted them all late last fall in open sphagnum moss mounts and neo. plastic pots and they've all produced lots of roots so far and look very healthy. But no spikes... I must be missing something.

Do I need to expose them to cooler temps at night for a few days? We have still cold night here in Colorado. Or... I read on orchidweb that they're not supposed to dry out completely in the spring or they will skip blooming. Looks like that's what happened to them last year. Really hoping they're not going to do the same this year!!!