Various Neos, 2017 in Review

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by KC Kam

I would like to ask, does common Neo blooms frequently? How many times a year? Do they requires Vanda light level?

The likelihood and frequency that a Neo will bloom depends on variety. Some are more likely to bloom multiple times a year, others are more likely to skip a year or two between blooms.

That said, you did say common Neos. For the most part if you grow the more common varieties of Neos by giving it a full winter rest for the entire winter, in most likelihood, it will bloom once a year in the summer.

Blooming twice a year in these conditions is also not unheard of, though not incredibly common. However depending on your cultural habits and environment, and especially if you deviate from this "standard" approach, some neos can bloom up to 3 times a year, although each subsequent blooming won't be quite as floriferous as the last if that happens.

As for light level, quite honestly, Neos were the first orchids I ever grew and there are the main orchids that I grow. Unfortunately since I have never attempted to grow other Vandas, I cannot say what light level neos grow at in comparison to those.

[KC Kam]

Hi Hakumin,

Noted and thank you very much for sharing

[Neodex]

Lovely plants, thanks for sharing. I do really like the three spurred plants.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

First of all, thank you for taking the time to post these lovely specimens. I am becoming fascinated by neos lately. In partiular, I am interested in the growing conditions for success with shingetsu. I live in the sub-tropical gulf coast of Louisiana and most of what few orchids I have live on the patio from spring to late fall. When the temps drop into the low 50s they come into the house.
My question is, what conditions do you provide for these beautiful plants? And do you have any pictures of shingetsu in bloom?

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

My question is, what conditions do you provide for these beautiful plants?

I grow indoors under T5HO lights, timer is set so that they turn on at sunrise and turn off at sunset. Humidity levels range from about 40%-60% depending on the time of the year. Temperatures are about 65F-80F depending on the time of the year. Thorough soaking in the shower when the moss is dry on the inside and outside, which for me ends up being about once every 5-6 days. Low speed fan running 24/7 over the plants.

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

And do you have any pictures of shingetsu in bloom?

The variety gets standard shaped white flowers. Mine hasn't bloomed yet so I don't have photos of my own, and because the variety isn't grown for its flowers, I'm having a hard time finding photos of its flowers online.

It's one of those varieties that dedicated growers in Japan and Korea wouldn't think twice about cutting off spike starts to preserve the appearance of the stem area and encourage more vegetative growth.

[Shoreguy]

I have often wondered about cutting off flower spikes to promote vegetative growth.

Is it possible the strategy could backfire since if the plant is forming a spike, that is what it desires, and cutting it off could encourage it to initiate another spike causing additional expenditure of resources thereby inhibiting foliage growth?

This issue might not be clear cut. Pun not intended.

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by Shoreguy

Is it possible the strategy could backfire since if the plant is forming a spike, that is what it desires, and cutting it off could encourage it to initiate another spike causing additional expenditure of resources thereby inhibiting foliage growth?

It's very common practice among dedicated Neo growers in Japan and Korea. The experienced growers and breeders that I've talked to about it have all indicated that it has no negatives to the plant as long as you use clean tools.

I have cut off a few spikes and spike buds myself, and personally, I have not seen the plant try to push out additional buds afterwards. I don't do it to the extent many of the growers in Japan and Korea do though, so I can't speak from much experience.

As for how much of a vegetative benefit it might give, I'd rather not take a guess without some published research backing it up.

[Shoreguy]

Hakumin,

In a previous post in this thread, you state that in addition to the amount of light that Neof. Shingetsu receives, temperature also affects the red coloration at the base. What temperatures are ideal to promote the best coloration?

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by Shoreguy

In a previous post in this thread, you state that in addition to the amount of light that Neof. Shingetsu receives, temperature also affects the red coloration at the base. What temperatures are ideal to promote the best coloration?

Pigmentation production increases significantly, relative to the light given, when the nightly temperatures drop below about 60F. This needs to be paired with decent light though. In low light it won't produce much pigmentation even when the temps are low.

Obviously it's not possible to grow at these temperatures year round, which is the reason why a lot varieties known for anthocyanin pigmentation (e.g. shingetsu, hokage, taegeukseon, etc) are said to have seasonal pigmentation that shows its best in the spring and/or fall.

These are usually characteristics to be enjoyed during those seasons rather than trying to force them all the time. If you artificially force them to grow them at these temperatures year round, they won't actively grow. If you give them so much light that they have strong pigmentation year round, it's usually way too much light, and even short of burning, it'll cause other problems like stunting.