Neofinetia falcata

[otis 226]

I've read many/most of the posts here on this sp. and it has helped my confidence considerably with it. I'm still kind of in the dark about two cultural considerations. Watering and fertilizing. I know these little ones don't like a lot of fertilizer, but can someone tell me how they fertilize their Neos? As for watering I'll be using distilled water, at least for now and see how that goes.
Thanks,
Tony

[bearded orchid]

Sorry Tony, I haven't had mine long enough to be of much use. I look forward to hearing others' suggestions, though.

[norris]

I have been watering the Neos. I have in moss thoroughly when the moss seems to be mostly dry throughout. I have a few in coco husk fiber, and I water those at least every other day.

I have a few different types of fertilizer, and switch between them every third watering. all my plants ( cacti, houseplants, fruit trees included ) get the same thing. They all seem to be happy with that, so I keep doing what is working for me.

[otis 226]

Originally Posted by bearded orchid

Sorry Tony, I haven't had mine long enough to be of much use. I look forward to hearing others' suggestions, though.

No problem, Phil. Hopefully we'll learn something together.
Tony

[Shannara]

I use two fertilizers that are Urea free. I water mine with tap water and rain water. I have it growing in Stalite, aliflor, and charcoal. When it is raining frequently I don't fertilize. Otherwise I fertilize once a week and rotate between my two ferts.

Mine bloomed recently so I must be doing something right.

HTH

Shann~

[otis 226]

Thanks guys. I guess once I see some growth on little 'Emiko' I'll start giving her little sips of food!
Cheers,
Tony

[JungleMel]

They don't like a lot of fertilizer? What is "a lot?"

I fertilize as often as I do any of my other orchids and haven't had a problem. I use MSU once or twice a month, and water with well water when they aren't watered by the rain. They've happily grown and bloomed through years of this treatment, so I wouldn't think of them as sensitive really, at all.

[otis 226]

Originally Posted by JungleMel

They don't like a lot of fertilizer? What is "a lot?"

I fertilize as often as I do any of my other orchids and haven't had a problem. I use MSU once or twice a month, and water with well water when they aren't watered by the rain. They've happily grown and bloomed through years of this treatment, so I wouldn't think of them as sensitive really, at all.

If that works for you, Mel, Fantastic! I was going to suggest you read some of the excellent threads here on Neo. falcata care, but if you've been growing and blooming them for years, then you're good.
Cheers,
Tony

[JungleMel]

I was just curious about the fertilizer as I've never heard that they don't like much before? I feel like with all the hype around them people mistake them for being more difficult than they are too. I noticed you wanted to water with distilled water, so which fertlilizer you choose is just as important as how often you use it. Good luck, but I'm sure you'll be fine!

[otis 226]

No, they're not delicate at all. Actually quite hardy if what I've been reading is correct. They can take it pretty cool in winter. They do like pure water and well diluted fertilizer. Some folks don't fertilze them much at all and seem to do well with them. So, as I said if it works for you, that's the correct way, for you. I just wanted some different opinons as I've just started with them. Like all orchids, they'll do well, if they're basic requirements for good growth are met.
Tony

[OrchidCanuck]

I've only had my neo for a year but it seems to be thriving, I've got a spike forming!!. Mine is potted in moss so I tend to fertilize monthly.....only because I worry that the moss hangs on to the fertilizer and I might over fertilize. Otherwise it gets reverse osmosis water whenever the moss dries out.

These guys are tough. Mine grows on my bathroom windowsill, baking in direct southern exposure sun in the summer, and never sulking as ice forms on the window a mere inch away in frigid Canadian winters!