Neofinetia on the go - Orchid Board

bjmac · #1 03-10-2018, 09:17 AM

We are in Tucson RVing and it has finally warmed up, ordered my first two neo from Orchid Limited. So on to the start of a new hobby. Introducing Kuroshinjyu and Seikai. They arrived in great shape and very nice plants each with two fans. They are in a Exo Terra tank with led lights beside the other vivarium. Hope I can keep the humidity up in this dry climate.

No-Pro-mwa · #2 03-10-2018, 10:55 AM

They look nice. Orchids on the go

Shoreguy · #3 03-11-2018, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjmac

We are in Tucson RVing and it has finally warmed up, ordered my first two neo from Orchid Limited. So on to the start of a new hobby. Introducing Kuroshinjyu and Seikai. They arrived in great shape and very nice plants each with two fans. They are in a Exo Terra tank with led lights beside the other vivarium. Hope I can keep the humidity up in this dry climate.

Humidity is moderated by surrounding plants. In the winter my room humidity is frequently below 24 but the plants do ok. I have both Kuroshinjyu and Himeseikai (not Seikai) for many years with no blooming.

bjmac · #4 03-11-2018, 07:21 PM

Shoreguy I have heard that these two are slow to bloom. The Kuroshinjyu needs 3 or 4 fans I have read. How many fans does your Kuro have. I have been lucky that the humidity has stayed around 70%. I have about 1 inch of water in the bottom of the tank with the orchid setting on a drip tray. Hope that is not to high.

Shoreguy · #5 03-11-2018, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjmac

Shoreguy I have heard that these two are slow to bloom. The Kuroshinjyu needs 3 or 4 fans I have read. How many fans does your Kuro have. I have been lucky that the humidity has stayed around 70%. I have about 1 inch of water in the bottom of the tank with the orchid setting on a drip tray. Hope that is not to high.

My Kuroshinjyu has too many growths to count and are immature, only a few with one inch spread. Plant is very slow growing, perhaps due to my culture. I am growing it in straight tree fern as bark mix did not encourage root growth.

70% humidity should be fine, any higher might be a problem without adequate air circulation.

bjmac · #6 03-21-2018, 01:09 PM

Latest addition Kinkujyaku (Golden Peacock) from Orchids Limited with three fans, not much variegation showing. Hopefully with more light that will change.

Shoreguy · #7 03-21-2018, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjmac

Latest addition Kinkujyaku (Golden Peacock) from Orchids Limited with three fans, not much variegation showing. Hopefully with more light that will change.

You might get some varigation. As a new Neo grower, one recommendation I feel I should make to you is that if you are interested in a particular feature, it is best to get a plant that you know has that feature by actually seeing that plant in person or a picture, don't just rely on the varietal name. Don't be upset by making mistakes along the way with this hobby. I still do and have been growing neos for over 45 years and am still learning by making mistakes.

At least you have a fairly good chance of flowering it as opposed to your first two purchases.

bjmac · #8 03-21-2018, 04:02 PM

Shoreguy thanks for the advice. The online picture showed more variegation than it has. Online is the only way I have of getting neos, at least I got one more fan than I ordered. This plant has flowered before as there is an old spike. My Seikai is showing new root growth and one new leaf.

Shoreguy · #9 03-21-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjmac

Shoreguy thanks for the advice. The online picture showed more variegation than it has. Online is the only way I have of getting neos, at least I got one more fan than I ordered. This plant has flowered before as there is an old spike. My Seikai is showing new root growth and one new leaf.

If you have the phone number or email address of the vendor, you can express what feature(s) of the variety you are interested in and request that photos are emailed to you of the exact plant that they will sell to you. Many will accommodate this request.

Pattywack · #10 03-28-2018, 11:03 AM

BJ, I am only a year + into Neofinetia myself and the bean leaf are my favorite. I hope many of my plants will flower this year for me. That seems to be something you are looking for in a bean leaf. The only bean I own that has flowered for me, and currently working on a new spike is Isechabo. I purchased my plant from New World Orchids last year in February, it has three fans.

Isechabo is really cute and apparently easy to flower. You had mentioned in another post about being selective for your next Neo. I understand the needle leaf plants are reluctant to flower but some of my favorites are needle leaf and small. Blooms are amazing but I collect these plants for their unique qualities and growth habits. If they bloom, it’s a definite plus!

I have a gorgeous Seiryujishi, a contorted twisted plant. This one is said to be very hard to bloom but my plant did flower last year. I purchased it from Orchids Limited in February of last year. It may be my favorite Neo.

Another needle leaf I really like, no flowers yet, is Fukujumaru. It is again, a very small plant. There are others that remain small with thin tiny leaves. Yoroidoushi is another nice one. I’ve had fun collecting these, it seems you have as well. I hope you find a nice one to add to your collection!