My neo collection

[jeremiah.chua]

Oh man, the faucet thing... I have other orchids to water too, non-neofinetia related. I just get a bucket and fill it with water and dump em in one by one. It's so tedious... Wish I had a greenhouse or could keep my plants outside so I can just hose em down!

[bk10]

I've considered the bucket approach but the concern with possible disease (virus) transmission ruled that out as a possibility. In the summer I water my orchids with a hose (they are outside) and in the winter I use a small water sprayer.

[LinhT]

Originally Posted by jeremiah.chua

How do you guys water your Neofinetias? I used to be able to just get them all under the sink, one by one, because I only had like, 6. But as my collection grew, one by one really doesn't cut it anymore.

Now I have them on racks and just put them in the bathtub! It's time efficient and easy for me.
What about you folks? I know some of you guys grow on racks, how do you water your orchids?

You can just leave all neos in the neo hanger when you water. Find a really good quality 5 gallon sprayer that has a strong stream and high water output. Hold one of the neos while still in the hanger and push it forward in one direction. Let the ring of neos spin while you hold the sprayer wand in a still position. If all your neos fit in 2 double hangers, this method should not take much time at all. That is...if I explained it clearly enough.

[Red Orchid]

You are so smart Tracy your collection is just thriving. I have a question. Do you use R/O water? Is it safe to use just bottled water from the grocery store.

I pic my Neos up one by one and take them to the utility sink in my laundry room. I don't have as many as you have so it is not a problem. I let them drain there then return them to their growing spot.

[LinhT]

Originally Posted by Red Orchid

You are so smart Tracy your collection is just thriving. I have a question. Do you use R/O water? Is it safe to use just bottled water from the grocery store.

I pic my Neos up one by one and take them to the utility sink in my laundry room. I don't have as many as you have so it is not a problem. I let them drain there then return them to their growing spot.

I've gone back to using RO because my tap water is not as clean as it use to be. You can use bottled water as long asit's labeled 'distilled'. Many brands of bottled water contain sodium chloride and i'd avoid those. Overtime too much sodium may kill your neos. So if it's not labeled distilled, you have to check the ingredients.

[jeremiah.chua]

I leave my neos in the hanger, bring them into the bathtub and just turn on the shower. It's time efficient for me as I can finish this whole process in about 3-5 minutes.

[Red Orchid]

Originally Posted by LinhT

I've gone back to using RO because my tap water is not as clean as it use to be. You can use bottled water as long asit's labeled 'distilled'. Many brands of bottled water contain sodium chloride and i'd avoid those. Overtime too much sodium may kill your neos. So if it's not labeled distilled, you have to check the ingredients.

Thanks much Tracy I knew I could count on you

[rangiku]

Originally Posted by jeremiah.chua

You have more than me and you water it one by one?! How long does that take?

Jeremiah, it does take a bit of time, but I look at the plant to see if there are any new fans or spikes starting, status of roots, etc.

And, Tracy, your explanation was perfectly clear. Very cool way to water.

For my Phals, if they are in moss, they get watered in the sink. If in a bark mix of some type, each plant has a take out pint container or a plastic cup (with its name on it) and they get soaked in their own water for 10-20 minutes. This takes time.

[jeremiah.chua]

Hey y'all!
I'm not dead yet, I've just been busy with other projects in life (Setting up a freshwater planted aquarium. Any other planted tank hobbyists out there?)

No major changes with my Neofinetias. I'm transitioning them to dormancy soon, even though a couple of them don't want to rest yet and are instead, still growing roots (Looking at you, Momoyama-Nishiki).

On a side note, I know a few other people had their Neostylis Lou Sneary 'Blue Bird' already in bloom. Mine JUST started opening flowers this week and it has been fantastic. I was a little scared that there would be little to no fragrance at first. Because the first flowered that opened gave off no scent to me, but after the 3rd and 4th flower opened, I could totally smell it from a short distance. I missed their beautiful fragrance so much.

[paph-neo nut]

Nice flowers. I like the blue color.