Neofinetia falcata

[arleneg]

Jenny,

I haven't gotten around to taking pics of my Rumrilla...been rather busy since school started. The colors on the Rum. is fading. But I'll try to get a pic of it anyway, for my records.

[articuno75]

Oooo. Gotta get those pics! We all want to see!

[butt0n]

I've been meaning to post a picture of the Neos I got from Dr. Lehr a while back. Here they are along with the ones I got this last weekend.

The 1st picture is a Setsuzan, 2nd a Kishuryofuku, 3rd a picture of the Hanagoromo, Shojou, and a Yodonomatsu I got from Dr. Lehr.

[myorchid]

Very nice! I love the Setsuzan!

[articuno75]

The Setsuzan is in Lava rock mix correct?

[butt0n]

Originally Posted by articuno75

The Setsuzan is in Lava rock mix correct?

Very small lava rock as well as very small pebbles. I haven't quite poked around in the medium yet but it seems to be doing just fine. I was actually planning on getting this variety from Satomi, but found this one from another vendor to be much more healthy (not to mention, cheaper), so I chose it instead.

[kid a]

Originally Posted by kid a

I got a new noe today! It's a Neofinetia falcata [Ami Ami form] x Holcoglossum kimballiana. They havn't seen the flowers yet but expect they will be anywhere from a cream color to a light pink. I will post pics after I repot it!

Umm... this is a little late, I guess I never got around to it, lol! Here is the picture from a few days ago!

[s.kallima]

Hi all,

This is a great thread ! As a newbie, I learned a lot about Neos with you !!
I got my first N. falcata in the beginning of August, and it was done flowering. It had 8 growths, 3 of them had a new leaf just coming out. I repotted it in S/H.
It seems to like it so far, now it has new leaves on 7 of the 8 growths, and lots of new roots coming out + 2 small growths starting at the base of other ones.
The tips of aerial new roots are reddish, but seem to turn green while growing longer... and the roots in the hydroton have green tips.

I grow it on a windowsill with an extra fluorescent 40W spot, between 60 to 70% humidity (on a humidity tray, and in Vancouver BC ), and actual temperatures day: 68-73ºF and night: 64-68ºF. I mist it every morning when I'm around, and water once a week with a mix of hydroponic fertiliser 5-0-1 and 0-5-4 (at 130 ppm Nitrogen = 2 tsp of each per gallon) flushing the reserve.

I am thinking of putting it outside for the winter on a covered patio, as long as it doesn't go below 39ºF. Here in Vancouver BC winters are very humid !!! and not too cold, I think it might like it.

[kid a]

Humid and mild winters, that sounds like awesome! It is very dry here in the winter. I bet it would do well.

[FLaCo]

s.kallima I am glad you have joined us. It is funny how you were sneaking around reading the forum without saying a word!lol! Anyway, sounds like you got the hang of it, and know what you are doing. I got my Neo in late August, it is also my first time growing these little guys.

Kid A, I proise to get a picture out. I honestly don't know what to do, I am counting the days but I don't want to cut the pod too early.

[s.kallima]

Originally Posted by FLaCo

s.kallima I am glad you have joined us. It is funny how you were sneaking around reading the forum without saying a word!lol!

I am not very talkative indeed... I am more the listener kind of guy, but enjoy a lot reading the posts here

[articuno75]

My Neos have started growing again and the roots have picked up where they left off. Is anyone else going through this? Shutenno is technically a Spring/Summer bloomer, but if it continues on like this, it just might bloom in the dead of winter.

[myorchid]

I have noticed some new growths on mine as well. The Hisui is putting out a new leaf??

[kid a]

Originally Posted by articuno75

My Neos have started growing again and the roots have picked up where they left off. Is anyone else going through this? Shutenno is technically a Spring/Summer bloomer, but if it continues on like this, it just might bloom in the dead of winter.

Mine is putting out a bunch of new leaves now not much going in the root department though, lol! I was getting worried because they were growing like wild then after it bloomed they slowed down and eventually stopped altogether. Maybe since the leaves are growing new roots will follow.

[butt0n]

My Neos have at least 1-2 new growths and are growing roots like mad.

[christinek]

I have wonderful news.. I checked my Cherry Blossom today.. And if i'm not mistaken.. I'm seeing what looks to be two spikes forming I think I will be taking a photo sometime tonight or first thing tomorrow to show everyone so I can get feedback.. I'm very happy.. And hoping it is what I think it is.. I just love these Neo's..

[patticake]

I hope you're right! Sometimes they start out with spikes and new growth looking the same. I'm hoping for spikes for you!

[arleneg]

Originally Posted by articuno75

My Neos have started growing again and the roots have picked up where they left off. Is anyone else going through this? Shutenno is technically a Spring/Summer bloomer, but if it continues on like this, it just might bloom in the dead of winter.

My Kuro Shinju is growing new roots like crazy, since the weather has cooled down. Plus, it's liking the sunlight (getting more since sun shifted). It might just bloom this fall/winter.

[articuno75]

Whoo hoo!!! Activity is brewing..... Neos are on the move!

[christinek]

Wooohooo!! everyone! :P

[Catcym]

Hi Orchidgeeks,
For those of you wanting to buy neos and close to bay area, I have good news I just stopped by Japan town today. The shop has a lot neos for sale. I couldn't resist and bought one.

[christinek]

Ok.. I waited a couple weeks for some substantial enough growth so that all can see.. Including the camera.. LOL From what I can see.. And by the way it's growing.. (slow) This should be in flower by early spring or before perhaps..

Tell me what you guys think.. Thanks..

[articuno75]

By the look of the spike, it should be in bloom in a couple of months. Which Neo is that?

[christinek]

Hi Jenny.. It's my Neo- Cherry Blossom ..

[articuno75]

Awesomeness.

[christinek]

Yes!! Awesomeness it is!! I can't wait to see this baby bloom.. It's got 2 spikes by the looks of it.. And it should be quite a beautiful show when it does bloom.. And I can only imagine what it will smell like..

[articuno75]

The one nub that's at the bottom looks more like a baby than it does a spike. Need a better pic to tell for sure, but yes when it blooms you have to bottle the scent and send it my way! LoL At least give a really good description of it anyways.

[arleneg]

Originally Posted by Catcym

Hi Orchidgeeks,
For those of you wanting to buy neos and close to bay area, I have good news I just stopped by Japan town today. The shop has a lot neos for sale. I couldn't resist and bought one.

Which Neo did you buy?

[kid a]

here is the Neo Setsuzan I got a few weeks ago! Its soooo cute. I didn't have any more neo or those little bonsai pots i have been using so a Randy gave a plastic Neo pot. Between the orchid show, the reptile show, and my little brothers 2nd birthday party I filled up my camera memory card so the pictures aren't that great cuz they are from my cell, lol.

[Catcym]

Originally Posted by arleneg

Which Neo did you buy?

I bought a Neo Higashidemiyako for $20 which is pretty lovely plant.
My Grow list of Neo:
2 Togen
1 standard neo
and 1 Higashidemiyako.
Attached pics is Higashidemiyako. I just repotted with New Zealand Moss. My wrap looks terrible.

[kid a]

Wow, the leaves are just beautiful!

[arleneg]

Kortney & Catcym,

You did a nice job on the sphag mound.

When I get a chance, I need to repot several of my Neos. The sphag they're in are green with algae.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by arleneg

Kortney & Catcym,

You did a nice job on the sphag mound.

When I get a chance, I need to repot several of my Neos. The sphag they're in are green with algae.

Arlene, use the Brookn's recipe. It will get rid of the algae. It did on mine.

[Neokate]

Hi everyone,

I went to Japantown SF today and found that there was a new shipment( different sizes and variegated) of neos in Katsuwa Garden. Just go visit and have fun!

[solay]

Yes, I was just about to post that. The lady there gave me a call today since my husband left my number the last time he was there.

I don't know if I'll get there but do you know what varieties she got in by chance?

[Neokate]

As I remember, they have Shutenno, Suikaden, Tamakongo, Amanogawa, Byakko, Seiryujishi, Yodonomatsu, Hisui, Hokage, Gojofukurin, Higashidemiyako, Hanagoromo, Fugaku, Himeseikai, Kuroshinjyu, Seizai, Kinkujaku and they also have S.Japonica such as Fuasmaru,Hanagawari, Nagoran.

I just bought Tamakongo, Hiagashidemiyako , Kurokongo and Yokozuna (that one I don't know) but looks so nice. Most of neos have different sizes, the small size only costs $10-$15. Quite reasonable!

[butt0n]

Sounds good...I'm hoping to get over there on Saturday. I ordered more pots from my friend too so they'll have somewhere to go!

[kip]

Ordering directly from Satomi is usually cheaper, but any excuse to get out of Fresno is a good one, and Satomi hasn't sent me her latest price list yet. I'll probably check out the orchids at Katsura Garden on Saturday.

[kip]

I checked out the neos at Katsura Garden. they have a good selection at very good prices. I got 5 more plants:
Neofinetia falcata Senzai, Seiryujishi and Shutennou, Sedirea japonica Hanagawari, and Cymbidium goeringii Ryokuunfukurin
Shutennou looks like it's in spike, and the Sedirea has flowers just starting to open.

[butt0n]

I was over at Katsura Garden today too. I passed on getting anything new however; nothing really jumped out at me this time around...I'm trying to be good! At home however, I have a lot in spike already. I'll post pictures once the spikes develop more.

[Neokate]

Kip, you bought the Cymbidium goeringii Ryokuunfukurin. It's really nice and unique. But I don't know that kind of plant that much. Is it also a miniature?

[kip]

Kate, Cymbidium goeringii is separated into two different groups, sometimes recognized as different species:
kanran (winter orchid, 寒蘭) is a miniature (up to 2 feet tall) that blooms in winter, with multiple flowers on each spike.
shunran (spring orchid, 春蘭) is a “teacup” cymbidium, some varieties get up to about 10 inches tall. It blooms in spring, with one flower on each spike.
Ryokuunfukurin (緑雲覆輪) is a shunran variety from china that gets up to about 6 inches, so it fits in nicely with the neos. the chinese varieties are usually much more fragrant than the japanese varieties, so they're a lot more popular. it has bright yellow marginal variegation.

something I've noticed recently is that the more popular varieties of japanese orchids have started to become more common, and have much lower prices. Shutennou was $20, and they had a smaller one for $10. The less popular ones are still rare, but they've dropped a bit too. the Cymbidium was $60, and I think it was the most expensive orchid in the shop. they had other varieties for around $30.

[Neokate]

Kip, thanks for your information!

Actually, I'm newbie to neos. I just started to collect them in March 2009 after the POE SF. At the beginning, I collect them according to the color of the flower. But after I searched the information from the web or some forums, I understand more about the neos native and the culture. From now on, I would like to have some variegated kind neos, not just look for the color of the flower but also their leaves and the shape of the flower. I'm so happy that I can learn from the forum's member like you! Thanks again!

Also, I did order the neos from Satomi before and I have tried to contact her through email for the order a week ago. Until now I still haven't received any reply from her. Do you have some news from her?

[kip]

Kate, the last time I heard from Satomi, she said she'd get back to me in about a week. that was 3 weeks ago. I'll try e-mailing her again, there's still a few varieties of a couple species that I'd like to get. I've heard lots of people say they have trouble getting in contact with her, so we'll just have to be patient.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by kip

Kate, Cymbidium goeringii is separated into two different groups, sometimes recognized as different species:

What's the other name goeringii is sometimes seen as?

[kip]

Cymbidium kanran is the officially recognized name of the other species, according to the RHS database. kanran is still sometimes listed as a variety of goeringii (and was listed that way at Katsura Garden). Most species names are derived from latin or greek, but there's a few like this one which are taken directly from the common name.

[dtje2000]

What? An 11 page thread??? So yeah, ol' DT has to find out what's the big hairy deal with these neo things...

How absolutely charming!!! I haven't digested this mini-series from beginning to end yet, but the couple of pages I've gone through have me completely enchanted with y'all's neos, and I completely get your passion for them. Even the pots and potting technique are adorable!

BUT THE PRICE!!! I found the link to New World Orchids and my jaw dropped to the table. Triple digit prices are not uncommon! Holy cow pies! Ten of y'all's plants have the same value as a hundred of mine! OMG! Yeah, I'm blown away by the entire thing...

I'll be reading and following...and wishing...and you never know... but my guess is you do not find these at your basic orchid show? I see reference to Katsura Gardens...but, alas, I'm a tad far from California...

Jenny, kudos for launching such a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining thread! And at the risk of being overly dramatic...WOW!!!

[kip]

dt, as I said a couple days ago, the price of neos has dropped dramatically. You just have to find a vendor that sells them for reasonable prices. The market is pretty much saturated with the more popular varieties. If you're looking for a variety that hasn't been imported much, you'll still be paying quite a bit. Seed Engei (run by Satomi Kasahura) is the supplier for Katsura Garden, and her prices are usually very good. I've seen neos at every orchid show I've been to, and I've heard that Seed Engei does a lot of shows.

[dtje2000]

Thanks, kip! I found the website for Seed Engei... so much for productive work today!

[kip]

Originally Posted by dtje2000

Thanks, kip! I found the website for Seed Engei... so much for productive work today!

Seed Engei doesn't actually sell anything through the website (or update the website, even).

[dtje2000]

OH! Well, I did see that it appears to be, uh, under construction...

No matter...thanks to this 11 page spread, I have requested a vendor who will be at the Redland Orchid Festival (Homestead, FL) to bring a couple of neos along...they are both mounted so no cute pot for me right now.

Neo experts, I'll do some review through this thread to find recommended light levels, but I'm guessing a mounted orchid is a mounted orchid is a mounted orchid and I would water it as such?

[ran]

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but I thought it might be of use to the Neo. growers:

Potting Videos
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Potting Instructions:
•x‹M—–‚Ì�A‚¦‘Ö‚¦�i‘f�Ä”«—p‚Ì�A‚¦‘Ö‚¦�j
•x‹M—–‚Ì�A‚¦‘Ö‚¦�i’†‹ó‚Ì�A‚¦‘Ö‚¦ “`“�•Ò�j
•x‹M—–‚Ì�A‚¦‘Ö‚¦�i’†‹ó‚Ì�A‚¦‘Ö‚¦�EˆÀ‰¿•Ò�j

The videos were great. Everything is in Japanese, but pictures and video are more than enough without understanding Japanese. If anyone needs help with translation I can help with what I can. Check 'em out and have fun.

[Sharyn]

ran: great videos! I think most of it is self-explanatory and I enjoyed watching (couldn't understand a word )

What was he cutting up in the first video? Was it dried spagh or something else that he added to the moistened spagh? It sounded really crunchy.

No wonder these little jems are expensive with all that work. I'd be plumb tuckered out after that workout, but now I know how they get that little ball under the roots before wrapping the whole thing. Of course, I'd be wrapping the spagh with a spool of thread since I don't weave my own braids of string and I doubt that I could pull off one thread (something like pulling off a strand of embroidery floss). I'd need a third hand. Oh, and just when I thought he was finished, he continued to make it perfect, filling in strand by strand. Such patience!

Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed.

[myorchid]

Wow, those are great videos. Thanks for posting. I know it took a long time for me to repot all of mine in a little mound.

It was interesting to see how he did his, I like the ball of sphag that he had. I also would like to know what he put in with the sphag.

[ran]

Sharyn & MyOrchid: That was the first thing I wanted to know as well. What was he cutting up. I watched the videos a bunch of times and could not hear/or figure it out. So I sent an e-mail and am waiting for a response. As soon as I hear back I will post it.

[koshki]

Hi all,
I'm so excited about this, I wanted to share it. I just got this cutie! I had no idea it was going to be so small, and I don't know if it's a mini or not, lol!

Anyway, it's supposed to have flowers with pinkish throats, and I can't wait for it to bloom.

Somewhere up in this thread, I read that spikes start out looking like little claws. If you look closely there is a little growth on the right side of the plant (sorry it's really small). Any chance this is a spike? Or is it another growth like the one on the left?

I'm also not sure if I should repot this. The roots are almost all on top; only one or maybe two are actually in the medium, and it's a bit wobbly. I'm afraid I'm going to knock this over accidentally. Any advice?

[koshki]

[Ben G]

the roots might be avoding the media becus its not good any more you should probly repot it

[kip]

the key thing to remember is that neos need moisture at the roots, but they need good airflow, too. when you repot, use a loose, well draining mix. the medium might be retaining too much water for the roots to grow into it.

the picture is too small to tell if the little growth is a spike.

[koshki]

I just wrapped the roots in a bit of sphag until I can get a net pot for this little doll. Sorry the photo is so small...I don't have a close up lens to get a better picture.

[RDtrack]

Jenny

I appreciated your post, I too am a Neofinetia Falcata fancier....to the point that I have way to much money tied up in them, my wife says that it's our retirement plan.

I can't imagine a orchid being traded for an entire estate but then.....

I have 13 of them and acquire on average 2 a year (all I can afford). For the last couple of years I've only acquired them in traditional Japanese hand painted pots. So the plant and the pot become a work of art and beauty. As far as I know Orchids Limited is the only vender outside of Japan for these pots.

I skimmed some of the threads to this post and would like to correct one thing I read Orchid Limited. (aka. orchidweb does not get their plants from New World Orchids. I know for a fact that Jason goes to Japan frequently to acquire neos.

Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to visit New World Orchids, I would like too some day. I have on the other hand purchased all my neos from Jason at Orchids Limited. Jason's dad owns Orchids Limited however the neos are Jason's responsibility and passion.

Jason is one of the foremost experts in the US on neofinetia and has written an article on Neofinetia or Orchid Digest, I believe the article can be purchase on orchidweb.com. It is a must read for anyone interested in collecting Neos. Also most of the information on Neos is written in Japanese so it makes the article more valuable.

One thing I love about Neos is they are, for me, about the easiest orchid to grow and get to bloom. Also I mostly collect the bean leaf variety, one of my favorites is call the 'black pearl' (English name).

Hopefully this helps and let the passion for the Neos grow.

Jason


Appreciated your article