Seiryujishi

[Pattywack]

I recently began buying Neofinetia and I am loving them, all of them. Space is an issue even though I grow mostly miniatures. I began the Neo-nut-a-thon in late November while visiting Al's orchids, love going there.

Anyway, I especially like the bean leaf Neos as they are so small and cute. I've tried to add examples of different leaf varieties to my small collection and tonight I ordered a Seiryujishi with 6 to 8 growths from Orchids Web. I've not seen many examples of this plant and I'm curious as to how large a 6 to 8 growth Seiryujishi will be.

Anyone have a picture of their plant they would care to share with an approximate growth count? Al has one, big ole red tag on it. His plant is pretty large and he said it has never bloomed for him so I would love to bloom one and show him pictures! He has very nice Neos, big plants and great prices on the 1/2 price ones. He is like a mother hen with his Neos, I always get a kick out of visiting and I always come home with a new orchid or two.

Any Seiryujishi growers? Any tips, have you bloomed yours? I'm excited to have found a nice size one, must tell Al!

[MattWoelfsen]

Here is my plant. It has at least eleven growths--hard to tell because of how the growths twist around each other. I have owned this plant for at least a year. I acquired this plant from a friend who had owned it for at least 10 years.

It is difficult to bring needle leafed plants like this Seiryujishi 青龍獅子 to bloom. It's appeal is growing the plant into a large clump. It doesn't grow tall but out.

This plant is in a 2" terra cotta clay pot in sphagnum moss. I am planning to re-pot this plant within this month.

[Pattywack]

Thank you Matt for sharing your picture and experience. Your plant is really nice! I've google searched for pictures of this and found only a few of any size. Seeing your plant and knowing the age is helpful. The Seiryujishi that Al has is larger than your plant and he says it's his favorite Neo. And he has grown it for over a decade.

I decided to order one even if it is difficult to bloom, just an amazing looking Neo and smaller size. I've been jealous of your collection and enjoy reading your posts. Thank you so much.

[MattWoelfsen]

The one you saw at Al's--not for sale? Thank you Pattywack for your kind comments. I am glad you are going to get a Seiryujishi it is a fascinating plant to own because of its twisted and diminutive nature. When I do talks on Furan, I always show this plant. People are surprised that it is 1) an adult, and 2) it has not bloomed, and 3) I do not care if it never blooms!

[Pattywack]

The Seiryujishi at Al's is one of his many plants with a red tag-not for sale. He has many red tag plants, gorgeous plants he treasures. His Neofinetia are in an area of his greenhouse he keeps roped off, the Seiryujishi is high up on a shelf out of reach. Al took it down once to show me his favorite. He really is a quirky guy but very nice.

Last November while visiting Al's I noticed he had a table of 1/2 priced Neofinetia! I was very surprised, these plants weren't even in the roped off section. He explained these were all duplicates so I decided to try one. I bought an Oonami seikai with 11 growths for $40.00 and I love it. I've bought 7 Neos from Al and 4 more from other vendors, NWO, Seed Engei and Orchids Limited. I'm patiently awaiting the new Seiryujishi. These Neos are fascinating little orchids and I'm very happy I decided to try one.

[Pattywack]

The Neofinetia falcata Seiryujishi will arrive tomorrow! Sooo excited!! It's probably a good thing I'm low on extra space I could buy so many more Neos, there are just too many bean leafs I want.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Pattywack

The Neofinetia falcata Seiryujishi will arrive tomorrow! Sooo excited!! It's probably a good thing I'm low on extra space I could buy so many more Neos, there are just too many bean leafs I want.

For me, I never got into stamp collecting, or coin collecting--those hobbies are somewhat static. When I found Furan, it opened a new world where each Furan had its own identifiable characteristics but where the same plant but in different versions. Other orchid collectors I've met don't understand the appeal of owning this one species.

Patty please post a picture when it arrives!

[Pattywack]

I have collected many different things through the years, it is an enjoyable hobby. I've always grown plants. I've only been growing orchids for three years and thoroughly enjoy them. I have miniatures so the Furan fit in nicely. I do understand your interest in growing this one species as you explain, the same plant with different versions each with its own identifiable characteristics. They are fascinating in their huge variety and their history.

There are not many members here growing Furan, or at least not many posts of them. It can be difficult to find information online, and that in itself makes them more appealing to me somehow.

I certainly will post a picture when the plant arrives.

[MattWoelfsen]

Most people who post here have migrated to Facebook. If you do Facebook, look for "Neofinetia falcata". There are about 781 friends. Even with that outlet, I still come here and check out this alliance out of loyalty to this Orchid Board. Every once in awhile, "Marco" and "Leslie" will post pictures. It is now pretty rare. I also check into SlipperTalk.

[twinofmunin]

I also recently acquired my first Seiryujishi! I'd love to share a pic; maybe at some point. However, I have no idea how many growths it has -- when I first received it, I didn't have the patience to count, and I haven't gone back to try yet.

It's such a fascinating-looking plant; I don't know why I put off getting one for so long despite it being near the top of my wishlist.

I look forward to hearing more about yours. I also love visiting Al's when possible; he is such an interesting character.