Good Neo for beginners?

[Reeses]

Hi guys,

I've recently become captivated by Neos, and once the weather gets a little better (we have had windchills in the negatives the past few weeks!) I was thinking of ordering one from New World Orchids.

I don't know much about the different types of Neos; I've been reading about their care, but I was curious as to whether different types need different amounts of lights, water, etc.

If so, any recommendations for a beginner? I personally like the pinkish ones, but they tend to be more expensive, and I wanted to buy one with at least two growths to have a better chance of not killing it haha

[AnonYMouse]

Some of the variegated leafs can be tricky for light but otherwise most are easy.

They can get very pricy so a standard furan or Amami Island form might be the way to go. You can get a BIG, multi fanned plant for the cost of one growth fancy leaf or bean leaf.

If you want to jump in the deep end, talk to Kristen about tsuke (axil), root color, flower color and form, leaf forms and variegations. Best if you can see the variegated leaves for yourself.

---------- Post added at 10:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 PM ----------

NWO will be in Cleveland 3/7-8 according to their Facebook page.

Don't know if that is an option for you. Although the plants won't be in flower (unless NWO has some special mojo), you can see how people get into the various forms.

[Leafmite]

I was told that the ones with plain green leaves were all great for beginners.
I just have four, two sibling mini bean (noID since the first bloomed), a needle leaf mini (Awa Har Beni) and a standard furan. None are variegated and all have been super easy.
Just look at New World Orchid's web site and you will get an idea of what you like.
You will really enjoy the fragrance (night) when they bloom.

[RandomGemini]

I have 'Hisui' as my first neo and haven't managed to kill it yet. Not seeing good growth from it though and I am considering potting it more traditionally. I also picked up a couple of hybrids, because I have found that hybrids tend to be a better place for me to begin, rather than outright with a species. Hybrids can sometimes be more forgiving, so I figure out how to grow the hybrid, then tweak things for the species to make conditions just right for it. So, I also have Neostylis Lou Sneary and Neostylis Pinky 'Starry Night'. I think you should just find one you like to start with, but otherwise agree with the above suggestions. Avoid bean leaf and variegated varieties. Start with a hybrid if you haven't already.

[Leafmite]

I have not had any problem with my bean leaf. It was a seedling when I bought it. These are just little Vandas that, fortunately, don't need as much space, humidity, warmth or as high light as some of the others do.
You can always write NWO email, too, and ask questions about them.

[ramp]

Well I would recommend you go to the New World Orchids website And look around. There have been many updates I've seen and you can search for a plant to whatever budget you want by setting the "Price Filter".
If you want pink go for Shutennou, one of the hardiest and easiest to grow. Also all other moderately priced "Pinks" are usually good choices. If you click a color, a list with all items in that group comes up.
If you want sturdy growers and easy to flower, go for the Amimi island forms.
I wouldn't recommend starting of with the variegated or Needle leaf varieties. Needle leafs usually arent hard to grow but can be very difficult to bloom and it takes many years of growing before they actually produce flowers most of the time.
A very easy Bean leaf, not expensive and beautiful upright standing, star shaped flowers is Tamakongou.
On a last note, many varieties on the NWO site are marked sold out but this will change shortly as many new plants are coming in soon from Japan, Kristen said on the NWO Facebook page.

Now you better watch out when starting with Neo's. They are very addictive and before you know it, you have a large collection of them.
Something I myself have experienced over the last years.

[WhiteRabbit]

I have a few different types, but nothing "fancy" (all were inexpensive). They all grow well, but the one that blooms very well, every year is Amami Island. I don't know if this variety is supposed to be easier to bloom, but of my Neos, it sure seems to be!

[Reeses]

Thanks for all your help, everyone! I have narrowed it down to either the regular Furan or Amami I also sent Kristen an email (funny, my name is Kristen too!) asking for her recommendations and shipping info.

I'm so excited! I have an orchid problem lol

[Reeses]

I ordered the Amami Thanks for your help, guys!

[wintergirl]

I have a couple coming whenever this weather breaks.
Can't wait.