Total Chaos and Subdued Beauty

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by Shoreguy

Clarification definitely needed. I have only once seen pictures of Magatama displaying variegation. When you say that it is difficult to “color up correctly” are you referring to the ruby root tips? Most pictures I’ve seen of it have the ruby root tips but no hint of leaf variation. Is the variegation generally subdued? I realize that pictures do not always tell the true story. I recently saw a picture of a variegated Magatama but thought that was an aboration as all other pictures were plain leafed.

A well grown magatama will have yellow-green to bright yellow tora-fu on it's top couple leaves. It is sometimes described as the bean leaf with kinbotan variegation. The ruby roots are easy. The variegation, the main reason it's so sought after, is the difficult part.





Magatama Variety Profile - Korea Neofinetia Association

勾玉 - 富貴蘭-ふうらん-と遊ぶ

옥금강 실생 '구옥':난과함께

---------- Post added at 06:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 PM ----------

Originally Posted by bjmac

I guess I will struggle along without any variegated ones. Maybe I will find a bargain someday.

The cheapest bean leaf you'll find with bright variegation will be Daishogun/Daisonishiki. You can usually get a nicely variegated small one for $150-$300.

[Shoreguy]

Thanks Hakumin,

I've seen many pictures of Magatama and as mentioned only one variegated. Those pictures are spectacular. The fact that all the other pictures were plain leafed certainly supports your assertion that is is difficult to get it to variegate.

You would think that owners would wait till a magatama variegated before taking a picture for a book. Maybe they never variegated theirs. Also you would think the individual compiling the pictures would wait to get a picture of a variegated one.

From actual experience, I do know something about the current situation of N Daisonishiki, when Hakumin says small he means it. Perhaps in 5 or 10 years the prices will come down for all sizes but never cheap and perhaps never reasonable.

[Pattywack]

There was a Magatama on Satomi’s July list. A single growth with 7 leaves, no variegation, roots not visible. The price is $300.00

The plant pictures are probably still showing on her Facebook list.

Shoreguy, beautiful chaos and beauty! Gorgeous.

[bjmac]

Originally Posted by Pattywack

There was a Magatama on Satomi’s July list. A single growth with 7 leaves, no variegation, roots not visible. The price is $300.00

The plant pictures are probably still showing on her Facebook list.

Shoreguy, beautiful chaos and beauty! Gorgeous.

Thanks Patty, but I think I will get more experience before paying that much for a neo. Hakumin that Magatama picture with variegation and ruby roots is magnificent. Would defiantly be a prize to be in anyone collection.

[Pattywack]

BJ, I will enjoy these little beauties online only. My modest collection keeps me happy and that’s what it’s all about for me.

I agree, the pictured plant is magnificent!

[u bada]

Like the thread title... the kinkabuto is stunning, and the aojiku fugaku is wonderful... I love my own of that one. i have my doubts how respected that variety is but I find it so special in its subdued striping and soft gradation of greens in the leaves. Can't complain about its vigor also. anyway, great growing!

I've going to Cal orchid for years and almost always just pass over their Neo's, I mean I looked at them and always admire them but just didn't pay attention to what I was really looking at... Of all the things I've chatted with James about I don't think I've ever asked him about his neos... I even remember one year looking at what I know now is shunkyuden and thinking oh that's a funny interesting flower. lol.

[Shoreguy]

U Bada,

I saw your posting of your Aojiku Fugaku and was impressed with the proportional width of some of the leaves, very nice. Thank you for the compliment on mine.

I have a N Shunkyuden, a plant which takes getting used to, big time, a real acquired taste. Below is a single flower. I find that when there is just one on a spike it does significantly better than when there are several.

[u bada]

What a great shunkyuden. I just love the subtle color flushes in combo with the strange floral excesses. Is it easy to flower? usual culture? Besides foliage I go for the bizarre flowers, gotta get me one...

[Shoreguy]

U Bada,

Re: Shunkyuden


Easy to flower, usual culture. One issue due to the continuing growth of the flowers is that the older portions sometimes fade before the newer portions are finished growing resulting in a messy looking flower. This might be due to poor culture on my part or possibly just the nature of the beast.

As mentioned earlier, single flowers on a spike occur pretty frequently but that may be due to poor culture or the genetics of my plant.

[Shoreguy]

I replaced the original picture of the Fugaku with the new picture in the first posting of this thread.

It justifies, in my mind, calling it subdued beauty.