Neofinetia falcata: Spike or Root?

[gmdiaz]

Yes, here we go again. . .

The red toned, nubbin showed up only three days ago! It's on the move. . .but what is it?

This is the Neofinetia that I purchased from Oak Hill Gardens at the end of September. . .so it's been in my care about six months now. I think I've mounted it twice in that time. But now it's happy and I am happy that it has attached itself to the cork mount.

Now I know roots are good but I am really pulling for a spike.

I have another Neo. that I received recently from a seller on Ebay. I plan to pot that one up Japanese style on a ball of moss. I need to pick up the long strand type of sphagnum, though. The one I have in inventory is too short.

Note to Ross: you should try one of these potted Japanese style, on the moss mound. . .think how beeeeeutiful it would look with LIVE moss in your tank. You do so well with your moss, I have to brag to everyone. That's what I am hoping I can pull off some time. . .eventually. All the ones I've seen have the dried out, moss. . .imagine lush green happy moss with the Neo. perched on high in BLOOM.

[shakkai]

Sorry, Gwen, but that looks like a root to me. (I love the red root tips!!) Keep your eye on both of your's though, as its coming up to bloom time! I check mine more often than I should just in case I missed something, or something has magically grown in the past hour!

PS. He sure does look happy on that mount! Good going!

[gmdiaz]

&@%*, I just knew you were going to say that! No need for an OB, cross-country, translator, right?

Roots are good. . .roots are good. . .roots are good.

[jim blanford]

Sorry I think it's a root also, aren't the spikes up higher on the plant. Jim.

[gmdiaz]

Thank you both!!!

[shakkai]

Roots are good!!

But, when you'd rather have a spike.... well... I guess this is one way to learn patience!

[Ross]

It's a root to be sure. FYI, the spike will come from between the leaves. Yeah, I hear ya on the Japanese styl, but in a Orchidarium that would be death. Maybe I'll try one upstairs, but the humidity is so low in winter... Oh, my, what to do?

[gmdiaz]

Boy, I'll say!

Shakkai, I found some really attractive "purple clay" sort of tall pots on Ebay that would, I think, look very winsome with a Neo that's "on the ball".

Here's a link. . .not sure if the size is right. I'd prefer one a little larger. But the clay is supposed to be permeable and breath. Whad'ya think?

[gmdiaz]

Originally Posted by Ross

It's a root to be sure. FYI, the spike will come from between the leaves. Yeah, I hear ya on the Japanese styl, but in a Orchidarium that would be death. Maybe I'll try one upstairs, but the humidity is so low in winter... Oh, my, what to do?

Mine is happy in an orchidarium. . .just have to have it close to a fan.

Do it. Do it. Do it.

[shakkai]

Originally Posted by gmdiaz

Boy, I'll say!

Shakkai, I found some really attractive "purple clay" sort of tall pots on Ebay that would, I think, look very winsome with a Neo that's "on the ball".

Here's a link. . .not sure if the size is right. I'd prefer one a little larger. But the clay is supposed to be permeable and breath. Whad'ya think?

I think that would look really cool! Though I can't really figure out the size... 2" x 3" x 4"??? Its round right? I assume its 4" tall, but surely it has to be the same width and depth if its round?! Mine are potted in ~3 1/2" (9cm) pots and they were pretty much just the right size for my plants (up to 3 growths, so far).

Let us know if you get them... I can't wait to see how your potting turns out!