Seiou-Nishiki

[stormzy]

Hi Everyone,
I just got a Seiou-Nishiki on Ebay. Does anyone have this type of Neo? Most of the plant looks healthy but the roots look weird to me. I just put them loosely into a new pot with some new moss. I will try to pot it traditionally when i have all the supplies to do so. Some of the older roots look black. Almost like they got scorched by flame or some chemical. Are the roots on this plant sensitive? I will post some pictures when I get home.

[MattWoelfsen]

Congratulations Stormy. Here is what my vendor has to say about your new plant:

"Seiou-Nishiki 青王錦: Yellow striped variety and have curved leaves (called Hime-ba). Because of the green stem, they look very clean and beautiful. Also foliages are wide and magnificent.

When Seiounishiki's variegation mutate to Fukurin (marginal stripe), it is called SEIOU-FUKURIN. In the United States, flower variety, solid base variety and marginal stripe variety are still more popular than stripe variety. It is very risky because the variegation is changeable: too much can cause leaf damage and loss. But on the other hand, you have plenty of possibility to make them better."

I have this plant too.

[stormzy]

Thanks matt, I really don't understand the mutating you have mentioned. They can change back from one type to another?

[MattWoelfsen]

That mutation behavior for this plant--there are other Neofinetia that do the same thing--is one variable that growers aspire. This mutation is based on culture. You can get the plant to mutate by giving it plenty of light BUT not enough to burn the plant. Plus you have to give it the right amount of water, fertilizer, relative humidity, etc.

My plant has not mutated. It has very faint stripe along leaf edges barely discernible. In this form, it is reasonably priced.

[stormzy]

That is awesome Matt, I did not know that! So when it mutates does it stay mutated, meaning the new developing leaves are the only ones to change or the old and new? This is why I love these Neo's, they are very interesting! I will be getting the pictures up later today.

[MattWoelfsen]

Usually if the mutation is on the mature fan's new leaves, then those leaves stay the same. However, what most growers want to have happen, is that the new fan or keiki mutates. If that happens, when the new fan matures, some people will remove the baby and it will stay the same. I like to keep these new fans attached to the mother plant because my goal is to get a larger and larger clump--much more desirable.

[stormzy]

Here is one picture of the new Seiou, Having trouble uploading the rest. Once I do there will be a photo shoot !! I might cut the flower spike to give the plant more energy for better roots. What do you think Matt?

[MattWoelfsen]

Very nice looking and healthy plant, Stormzy! Enjoy the flowers, the flowers are already close enough to full bloom...I do not think letting the blooms grow will diminish root or plant growth.

[stormzy]

Thanks Matt I think the flowers stopped, they are not doing anything it seems. They might blast on me do to lack of roots and the transport. We shall see!