Neofinetia falcata - Page 3

**articuno75** · #**151** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkim

Has anyone tried different potting / mounting techniques? I've seen some people mount to rocks, S/H, put them in empty vases, and then there is this: Species Specific Forum : Growing Orchids and Hybrids :: View topic - Monster Neof. falcata

I bought a large specimen Fu-ran last month that is in a clay pot with gravel and coarse succulent rock. It's doing very well so far but I need to water almost every day.

I can see the advantages of a medium or mount that cannot rot -- no pests, less rot, better drainage, more air flow, less repotting.... but I guess it comes down to your growing environment and how much time you have to invest daily.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I have seen pictures of Neos mounted on rocks. It looked really cool. The rocks were jagged like and there was very little moss used. A member here has her's in a teacup with just coir fiber. I can't remember who has it though... Sharyn maybe???

Most of the mounts that I've ever seen were either on cork or fiber board.
I think Jay has one in S/H. I had my two previous ones in S/H. The only results I can give you about mine is that they died from window cleaner,

.

As for the upside down pot mount, that would be about the same as the rock face. These were/are huge arse specimens and you have to improvise. They get big enough, you won't even see that pot.

Sandra~ Here is a pic from NWO of what the blooms of Shu Ten Nou will look like. The blooms are white to white with pink tips with a reddish/burgundy penducle. Shu Ten Nou is one of the strongest fragrant Neos.

**sandra** · #**152** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 05:36 PM

Outstanding!

bkim · #**153** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 06:25 PM

Here is my large FuRan

It's currently in a 8" pot with about 20+ fans but as you can see, it's getting crowded. I'm planning on repotting next year so I'm looking into my options. I've considered dividing the plant, mounts, furan pots (if they make them that big), traditional sphag. I'm finding the plant does well in the gravel/rock medium it's currently in so I may just stick to that. I'm watering almost everyday to every other day. It's size helps to maintain its own humidity.

**articuno75** · #**154** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 06:32 PM

Bkim do you know the name of your Neo by chance, or is it just a regular Fu-Ran type? I would not divide it. Leave it like it is. The gravel that you talk about, is it a gray color?

bkim · #**155** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 06:44 PM

It's a standard Fu-Ran according to the tag. The gravel is not gray, it's multicolored and looks like river gravel to me.

**articuno75** · #**156** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 07:10 PM

When you do a repot, there are a couple of things that you can do.

Since it's in gravel and you are watering everyday, you could use either Hydroton as a medium, or a natural gravel called Stalite.

Stalite is gray in color and porous. It's a tad heavier in weight than that of lava rock. The Ph level is neutral and you can reuse the stuff over and over forever without breakdown of material. The water retention is just as good as Hydroton and Lavarock. This also might reduce your watering schedule.

Pretty cool stuff.

That Neo is a Monster! Nice find !!!

jay · #**157** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 07:24 PM

Jenny it is so good to see that you got another Neo. Do you have a link to that other site that you found? Or an email to add to my list?

Thanks,

Sharyn · #**158** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 07:53 PM

bkim: What a beautiful Fu Ran. How many years have you had this?

Jenny: Yes, it was me that had my Neo in a teacup. I decided recently to give the sphagham moss one more try. After a month, I was doubtful that things were working out well, so, I'm soaking some new coir fibre as we speak and will go back to what has been "tried and true" for me. I actually like the "look" of those planted in the spagham moss; unfortunately, it's not a media that works very well for me and my growing conditions.

I enjoy seeing how all of you are growing your Neos.

bkim · #**159** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 08:23 PM

articuno: Thanks for the suggestion. Using a coarse porous material definitely makes sense.

Sharyn: I bought this from a nursery a month ago. The previous owner donated his/her collection for some reason unknown to me.

kid a · #**160** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 08:51 PM

Jenny: Yay!!! It's so cute. does the person you purchased it from have a web address yet even though they aren't up and going yet? Neos are so addicting I want more!!

bkim: Wow that is huge!! I think someone already asked but how long have you had it? I think you shouldn't divide too, well there's a lot there though. What about dividing just a few from it to experiment with different potting/mounting. That's the largest I have ever seen. If the ones in Japan are worth up to 3 grand (I know that probably the more rare ones) I bet that baby is worth a pretty penny with all that growth. It's amazing and spectacular! Good growing.

**articuno75** · #**161** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay

Jenny it is so good to see that you got another Neo. Do you have a link to that other site that you found? Or an email to add to my list?

Thanks,

It was Brookn who discovered them. Their site is still under construction. The site is called Seed-Engei Japanese Orchid. The person I've been in contact/emailing is named Satomi.

He's getting ready to go to Japan again next month. PM me and I can give you the email addy if you want it.

kid a · #**162** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 10:29 PM

Wow, what they have so far looks like a good source for info and plants.

bkim · #**163** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 10:40 PM

I've only had the plant for a month as I bought it from a nursery.

Funny, I just bought 4 fuukiran from Satomi today. =)

**articuno75** · #**164** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 10:47 PM

LOL, That's hilarious! which ones did you get? Do you know how long he will be in Japan for next month, or how much longer it will take the site to be completed?

kid a · #**165** (**permalink**) 05-23-2008, 10:57 PM

You got a great specimen! My son's dad told me I should have paid $75 for mine which has 7 mature growths and 3 new ones now. I though I might have been taking a risk as that is the most expensive orchid I have (paid $35) but I am glad I did! I was worried about killing it lol!

As you get more growths please keep posting updates, and when it flowers too! *drool* :-) It is beautiful, I hope mine looks like that someday.

arleneg · #**166** (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 01:30 AM

Jenny -- I see you got another Neo. falcata. I have to admit, I took a liking to Neos, too

I have 5 (maybe 6?). I'm thinking of repotting 4 of them which are in sphag mounds, but am not sure what I want to do, yet. Btw, my local o.s. had a guest speaker a few months ago. He grows one of his Neos on a cinder block. Roots are all healthy; lots of growths!

bkim -- That's a nice sized Neo. you have! I wonder how many years it took to get to that specimen size.

Thanks for sharing with us.

P.S. -- I just checked out Seed Engei website. It seems they'll be at the Holiday Inn Express Orchid Expo in San Jose next weekend. I'll definitely be stopping by their booth.

bkim · #**167** (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 02:01 AM

The Neo has about 10 spikes emerging. Ill definitely keep you posted on its progress. I'm currently battling some mealybugs I found on it recently.

I bought Seikai, Hanagoromo, Shutennou, and Gekkeikan. He said he would be back late July. I also saw the San Jose thing. Ill have to try and stop by as well.

brookn · #**168** (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 02:19 AM

Arlene, I am thinking of moving mine out of the sphag also. I have no clue what I am going to do though, cause I want to keep them in their pretty pots. With the humidity here, I can see the root issues starting already. They were great when it was cool out, but with the heat and dampness, not so much. Now I am really going to think about this. Jenny, where do you get the Stalite?

**articuno75** · #**169** (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 02:28 AM

Stone quarrys. Some might have it and might not. I know our area doesn't (Limestone central here) so got mine from online. (eBay) I need to by more and so the hunt begins. What got me on the stuff was that my Ho Chi Minh was completely potted in the stuff at first, but I wanted to do the CHC mix with it.

Ever thought just loosening the spagh? or just potting in hydroton? The stalite is quarried in the Cali area, that's why I recommended it for Bkim, cause she has quick access. I have to find it and then USPS the stuff to my door.

brookn · #**170** (**permalink**) 05-24-2008, 02:38 AM

Hydro without the resovoir? Hmmm, how long do you think it would take to dry out? I am an underwaterer, sad I know. The chids have to be camels here.