NF intergeneric hybrids

[Fairorchids]

I am posting here rather than in 'Propagation', as my thoughts (& invitation to comments) specifically addresses Neofinetia falcata. I have about 10 NFs, 12-15 NF hybrids and a good number of other miniature Vandaceous hybrids. And, I am a confirmed 'tooth pick tinkerer'.

I am currently blooming a Vanda White Crane (Vanda sanderiana x Neofinetia falcata). It is certainly a lot easier to bloom than a straight sanderiana, but the plant is quite large, so it is not recommended for those looking to fit in more plants into a small growing space. Photo was posted here previously.

I have 4 different plants of Neostylis Pinky. The well known 'Starry Night' clone is clearly bred with NF as the pod parent, while two of my other plants are equally clearly bred with Rhy gigantea as the pod parent (plants are 8-10" across, and flowers are 'chunkier').

My conclusion is that NF needs to be the pod parent to control the plant size - unless both parents are compact.

Towards producing small plants with more flowers, this year I have set a pod on my NF 'Shu-Ten-Nou' using pollen from Rhynhostylis retusa (photo posted in 'Vanda Alliance - others' back in May). The hope is to increase the flower count, and also to fill in the flowers a little. When I made this cross I did not know that it had been done previously (= Neostylis Dainty); from internet photos it appears to produce the desired results.

Even though the cross failed for me last year, if I get blooms at the right time, I still want to breed NF with my Aeridocentrum Fuchs Gem (Aerides lawrenceae x Ascocentrum miniatum, first two photos below). This plant has been in continuous bloom from July 2013 to April 2014 (total of 7 spikes, with from 40-70 flowers ea). Of course it is not in bloom now, though it has the next two spikes developing. If my NF are done by the time Fuchs Gem is ready, I may have to appeal to thread readers for NF pollen in 6-8 weeks time.

A couple of stray thoughts/comments:
I have an unbloomed seedling of (NF x Vanda teres = unnamed grex). I moved it into higher light 4-6 weeks ago, and it has promptly awarded me by forming a spike. I look forward to sharing a photo when it blooms.

From the same nursery (Ten Shin Gardens, Taiwan), I obtained another speculative seedling a year ago = (Holcoglossum amesianum x Ascocentrum pusilla), now registered as Vandoglossum Carolyn Hakim (3rd photo below). This semi-terete plant turned out to be very floriferous, producing 3 spikes on a first bloom seedling in Oct/Nov. It is sending up two more spikes now (and a keiki). While it is slightly wider than I hoped for, the slender leaves and good flower count makes this fine for a hobby grower. This would also be a good candidate for breeding with NF.

Now, after these lengthy ruminations, what type of NF breeding would the readers of the OB suggest that I consider next?

[Vanda lover]

I love the vandaceous hybrids! I wish there were some available here. I may go searching for one for my birthday next month. I have always like Darwinara.

[Joyorchid]

I have a NF x sedirea thats quite nice. Compact, lots of blooms, and smells great!

[Vanda lover]

It's pretty. I like more colour, but those cute little spots are nice. fragrance is a plus.