New to neos. How to pot
 

I've decided to give Neofinitias a try. Yes I know they are now called Vanda falcatas. I bought one from J&L orchids which I put in a neo pot with sphagnum, but not raised above the edge of the pot as they are usually shown. Is this okay?
I also bought a neostylis which I potted in sphagnum but in an aircone pot. Also okay?
Advice appreciated.

Should be fine if kept airy. You could poke a finger sized hole in the middle (if using a neo pot, there should be a big hole at the bottom, use that to make the hole in the sphag).

I don't have a Neostylis nor use aircone pots so can't offer any practical knowledge.

Thanks Anon Y Mouse. I think I will try that. THe sphag wants to fall out the bottom hole anyway.

You can insert a small piece of mesh from under the pot or better a small reversed net pot...

Connie,

There is no law that says you have to pot neos the traditional way in sphagnum.

See my thread “Neofinetia Kibana”, for another way which I have had success in growing neos for over 50 years. The method is described near or at the end of the thread.

Since you are a beginning Neo grower now would be the time to try the alternate method before you get locked in.

See which you prefer and do better with.

Net pot
 

This is exactly what I did for my Shutennou bought in the fall, the net pot. It seems to be working well, dries quickly. New roots developed over winter under white LED lights or eastern window. Watering mine about twice a week. Also have a bigger one with a bunch of growths in a basket w chunky bark. Will pot some divisions into moss off this I guess.

I really wanted to pot some up in the traditional mound with long strands of sphag. Very satisfying.... Also enjoy watering it. Weighs next to nothing dry with the little plastic neo pot. Using the inverted net pot makes it easy to get up higher.

Shoreguy, I read your thread for your potting mix recipe, would you mind if I ask where you purchase your shredded tree fern? Several websites only list the size as medium or course and not by length. TIA!

I purchased it years ago and forgot. It is never listed by actual length but by general terms. You MUST buy it medium and break it up yourself. Do NOT buy it fine or course. Break it into lengths of approx 3/8 to 3/4 “. It is a chore but you will get used to it. Obviously don't break it individually by piece but grab a bundle, break it a couple of times, continue process, sometimes mixing it in with previous pile and breaking. Eventually stop when pieces appear appropriate.

Also, place coarser bark at the bottom of the pot for drainage.

Here's an old but good thread regarding the pros and cons of different growing media for Neos, including sphagnum and bark: Sphag vs. Bark Mix for Neofinetia

How do I find that post?
 

How do I fine your Neofinitia Kibana post with the potting instructions?

Just scroll down. It was last appended to on 7/11/19.
Or use the search feature / advanced for “Neofinetia Kibana”. The posting is near the end of the thread.

Actually the posting is just about the recipe for the potting medium and only contains a little bit more info than my posting above in this thread.

I should mention now that bark mix medium requires more frequent watering than spag but like any medium should not be overwatered. Without being smug, in answer to when to water, the only answer is “ When it needs it”. There are too many factors involved to be more specific. One way which gains from experience is the weight of the pot. I am no fan of sticking your finger into the medium which can injure roots or at least disturb them.

As the medium ages, it requires watering less frequently and also less frequently in late Fall and Winter. I grow under natural sunshine and always water in the morning, generally considering the weather report for the current day and following day or two. If it is projected to be cloudy, I will often hold off watering even if it needs it, especially if the next day is projected to be sunny. I use two different watering techniques, heavy spraying with a hand sprayer to individual plants as needed by weight of pots, and once every 3 weeks in growing season including fertilizer or every 4 weeks in Winter. That fertilizer watering is done at the sink with water flowing out the bottom which is important to leach out any accumulated salts and chemicals from the water supply that accumulate from the spraying.
You must develop your own schedule based on your conditions. Even the number of growths a plant has comes into play.

Thanks. So far my Neo seems fine in sphagnum although I didn't do the fancy way that some grower do. I will give it another couple of months before I try your medium.