Saturday Morning Project - Neo potting

[shakkai]

Kiki, Mine haven't collapsed yet!! I don't really know how it all stays in place - maybe the bulge of the ball (Don't start, Dorothy!!) helps to keep it sitting on top of the pot? I mist nearly everyday, and give them a good soak in the sink once a week so far (winter, still) - will probably increase that once the weather warms up.

Mine doesn't have black flecks on the leaves - though in reading about the various types I do remember reading about ones with 'calligraphy marks' which seemed to imply little black marks. But I haven't seen a good photo of them... and I really wish there were some good explanations of the myriad foliage types! Do you have a pic of your's? I'd really like to see what you're talking about.

[Dorothy]

Bulging balls
I shall avert my eyes
Perhaps you meant 'bulbous'
Oh, that's just as bad

[shakkai]

I think everyone should have something potted this way! Dorothy, you need to try it too - then you could have nubbins growing out of the bulging balls!

[Dorothy]

Oh Lordy
Nubbins are enough to get me excited .. now you are suggesting bulging balls

Neos have moved up on my mile long list
I'm waiting for what we chose in the plant project and go from there ..
It could also be a possible travel companion ..

[kiki-do]

It is pretty bad when you order one project plant and have so many travel companions that you need to bypass the UPS or FedEx trucks for a mid-sized U-Haul!
I think my hubby's gonna get suspicious that I'm ordering more than one mini-orchid!
What to do! What to do!

[Dorothy]

Tell him they are 'gifts' and that to return them would only be insulting ..

[shams]

Oh the Neos... so cute. I saw a few of them at the last show... so again, if it becomes the next project plant, Canadians don't despair when you don't see it on vendor websites! Both Shriebers Orchids and Orchids in our Tropics has had them, so you can just fire off an email and ask for them. In fact... if you don't have one, don't even wait for the project! Go get one! Do it now!!

I love the pictures of the Grand Prix Show, Shakkai. Gotta love how meticulously neat the Japanese are

[shakkai]

In fact... if you don't have one, don't even wait for the project! Go get one! Do it now!!

I did!! And I will!! Yes, Ma'am!

Everyone listen up!! DO IT NOW! You need one of these!

While at the orchid show, I was inquiring about Neos at one vendor, when the person standing next to me said: What kind are you looking for? I might have some spare!

We immediately exchanged contact details, and after looking at some photos they sent me, I'm going to get a few from them! And then there will be a few more from New World Orchids when they come over in June... and then from there? Who knows. I enjoyed visiting Japan, perhaps its time to think about going back?

[kiki-do]

Hi Shakkai!
I finally got some decent pics. This neo is called Ascocenda Blue Tahourdin x Neofinetia Falcata 'White Flamingo' (such a large name for a cute little thing) and I got it last August and it was in bloom. This is the way I bought it and it seemed happy and healthy, so I kept it this way and I soak it every other day (and fertilize) and mist it daily. It has grown in size, but it has not flowered again so I assume it only blooms once a year. Any information you can give me about the spots or anything would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[shakkai]

Hi Kiki, Thanks for sharing the photos! Those spots look like they are supposed to be there - natural colouring. I wouldn't worry about it, and it looks kinda neat!

I've seen lots of ones that are grown like this - in a basket with little or no media. It helps the roots dry out quickly, which they like. When you soak her, how long do you let her sit in the water? I only ask as some of the lower leaves look a bit dehydrated. This happened with my Trudelia (another vandaceous type) and I found that they really like to drink in the water when you give it to them. I let mine sit now for 30 minutes or so before taking it out and letting it dry off. I think this is especially important in the summer when the temps get warmer. Mine responded with a lot more root growth and I've now got a flower about to open.

You are probably right about it blooming once a year, though I know of lots of ones like this that can flower twice - I'm not sure about this particular cross.