Neofinetia falcata

[arleneg]

Dang. If it's 25 years, I'll be an old, decrepit woman...probably senile, too! LOL I hope to be alive when it gets to that size.

[myorchid]

Me too! I will have to leave the orchids to my children in my will!!!!

[arleneg]

Me, too! It seems that my youngest has interest...most likely, will go to her.

[bkim]

I found this video on Neos at a Tokyo show. I wish I knew what they were saying...

YouTube - Neofinetia in your life

[butt0n]

Here are the Neos that I purchased at the San Jose show:







The first picture shows from left to right, a species Neo and a Shutennou. The second picture is a Hisui, and the last is a spike off the Shutennou. I'm a little dissapointed in my Shutennou however, since I think some of the buds are starting to dry out. I don't know what I did to make them do that. I'll have to take a picture today to show everyone.

[bkim]

Great pics! Did you get the Shutennou in spike? It could be possible that the change in environment is causing the buds to drop. I hope that's not the case

[butt0n]

Originally Posted by bkim

Great pics! Did you get the Shutennou in spike? It could be possible that the change in environment is causing the buds to drop. I hope that's not the case

I really hope not...the lights I have them under are under 2000 fc, and that's the most they can take I believe. I'm going to move all of the Neos lower so the light isn't as much. But yes, I got all of them in spike. I have 1 on the Hisui and 2 on the species.

[butt0n]

I'm not sure if you can see them well, but here are the buds now. One of the buds looks like its nearly dried out and the others, the spurs are drying out. Hopefully I can stop it there.





Also, here is a picture of Satomi and her booth. Sorry it took me forever to post this!

[arleneg]

bkim -- Thanks for sharing that video. I, too, wish I understood what they were talking about. I wonder if that was Satomi's booth.

butt0n -- Nice Neos. I think the buds drying maybe due to environment change. Looking at the pic, it doesn't look like they're drying.



Ok, I just saw the more recent pic. The blooms look like it's drying out. Are you misting them??

[myorchid]

Nice pictures and plants, they look very healthy! Can't wait to see the blooms. It looks like you still have some buds on the Shutennou.

It is a good thing that I could not be at the show, I am sure I would have spent a BUNCH of money on those wonderful Neo's!

[butt0n]

Originally Posted by arleneg

Ok, I just saw the more recent pic. The blooms look like it's drying out. Are you misting them??

I am...is that bad for Neos? LOL...I have no idea. Also, what light level do you all have yours at? I'm curious...

[myorchid]

I have my Darwinara Charm & Kutsuwamushi in front of a southern window with additional light. Others orchids are there too, including my Sedirea.
My Furan is in an east facing window just cause I wanted to try to see if it would make a difference in growth.
My Shutennou that comes next week will also go in the Southern window.

I water them when the moss is dry, and mist every couple of days.

[butt0n]

I had mine at 1900 fc...since I moved them, they are around 1000 fc at the very most.

[arleneg]

butt0n,

My rule of thumb is not to include the buds when misting. But then, I don't tend to mist my orchids unless it's really warm and dry. That's when I know the moisture will evaporate within minutes.

The Neos I bought a year ago are up in the orchid room and gets east-south dappled light. The Neos I recently bought are downstairs in the dining room. They get south dappled light. I don't want to bring them upstairs, yet, since I discovered mites on some of my 'chids. So I'm in quarantine and treatment mode. When everything is ok in the orchid room, I'll then add my newly acquired orchids.

[solay]

ButtOn, you got some nice ones there. Hope the buds stops dropping.

Bkim, thanks for that video. Look at all those Neos!!!!

[patticake]

Nice plants! That video was cool.. The variegated leaf Neo's were cool! I have mine under gro-lights.about 8 or 9 inches from the lights. They seem happy there! I mist them every day, and water them when the moss looks dry. Keep us posted on how your new babies are doing!

[patticake]

Originally Posted by myorchid

My Neofinetia Kutsuwamushi arrived today!! I love it, can't wait for it to bloom. I also got the book and two black clay Neo pots.

I put the Kutsuwamushi right into the clay pot....it looks sooo cute! I am saving the other pot for my next special Neo.

April! Those pots are gorgeous! Where did you get them

[myorchid]

Patti
I got the pots from Satomi on ebay. They have some similar on Orchid web.

I ordered some from New World Orchids. I talked to Dr. Lehr and he said that they just got back from Japan and England. I ordered 3 for $25.00, I told him to pick them out. I think they are not fancy, just a simple Neo pot.

I guess that means I have to get one or two more!!!

Great video! I want one of each!!!!

[kid a]

I promised I would those picture of the roots on my neo falcata. So here they are!

This one has a pink root.



This one has a purple one and a red one on it's way into the shpag.





These one show a purple on ans the pink and green ones in the background.



And this one is the pink and green ones.

[patticake]

Those roots are unbelievable! Are there the different colors coming from one plant? This blows my mind! I don't understand the colors in the roots. they should be green...How cool....

[articuno75]

Button~ Sorry to her about the buds. I have to agree with Arleneg. Even with my Neo that was in bud (as with other orchids), I never misted the buds. Stop misting the buds and see if there are any survivors. Truthfully, being under the light with the misting probably burnt them. You can take Neos up to 3000 ft. candles. BUT some Neos take more or less, it just depends on which one.

[kid a]

Patty: that is all on my one and only (so far, he he he). It's a good sized plant though!

[bkim]

Originally Posted by patticake

Those roots are unbelievable! Are there the different colors coming from one plant? This blows my mind! I don't understand the colors in the roots. they should be green...How cool....

It's another variation trait of Neos that is recognized. I wish I had a full list of all traits that are looked at and all the Japanese names for them.


Concerning Misting:
I take my Neo into the shower every other day and soak it for a good minute -- leaves, roots, spikes and all. This is the only way I can properly water the entire plant. So far no ill effects and the buds are still there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by bkim

It's another variation trait of Neos that is recognized. I wish I had a full list of all traits that are looked at and all the Japanese names for them.


Concerning Misting:
I take my Neo into the shower every other day and soak it for a good minute -- leaves, roots, spikes and all. This is the only way I can properly water the entire plant. So far no ill effects and the buds are still there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Bkim~ You have good air circulation too, correct? That would make a big difference. What I was referring to is that Button was misting the orchids and having them under the lights.....

Air circulation is a big thing for these guys.

[bkim]

I have a computer fan rigged up to be always on pointing into the humidity tray they all sit on. It promotes the water in the tray to evaporate faster and spreads out the air flow across all plants on the tray. The leaves and buds dry off in less than an hour and I always water in the mornings.

[butt0n]

Originally Posted by articuno75

Bkim~ You have good air circulation too, correct? That would make a big difference. What I was referring to is that Button was misting the orchids and having them under the lights.....

Air circulation is a big thing for these guys.

I forgot to add that I do have a fan in the mix as well. The fan is a good 6"-8" away pointing more towards the lights so the plants don't get blasted. I figured misting wouldn't be bad since I had the fan...oh well...

[butt0n]

Update on my Shutennou: I think all the buds are going to drop, except one. Its getting bigger and more plump and not dried out. I really hope this one makes it as I really wanted to see this one in flower.

[kid a]

I am hoping this one makes too! If it doesn't maybe it will bloom more spectacularly next time. Let us know what happens either way.

[bkim]

The most developed spike has a bud that's starting to open! Here's an updated picture of the plant. The opening buds are at the top of the picture. You can also see the fan I've got setup blowing down into the humidity tray and my other Neos and one Sedirea.

[kid a]

OMG & WOW
I can't wait to see it in full bloom!!!
We need to make a neo club, lol!

[myorchid]

Boy, that is amazing! My little Neo's are tiny compared to that one! It will be quite a show stopper when in full bloom!

Great Job!!

[arleneg]

I, too, can hardly wait to see them blooms!

[solay]

WOWZERS!!! I can't still believe the size of that Neo. I can't wait to see it all blooming. It's going to be amazing!!! Question? Is there a time when you must divide a Neo. or can they just keep getting bigger and bigger indefinitely?

[bkim]

Like any orchid, I don't think they need to be divided in order to flourish. I think the only time an orchid needs to be divided is when its size makes it difficult for you to properly care for it. Fortunately, Neos are relatively small to begin with.

[solay]

Wonderful, in a few more years you can see if you own the largest Neo. in the world. I think you just might. LOL!!!!

[brookn]

It's just amazingly gorgeous, and an inspiration. I held my Benisuzume up to the picture and comanded it to grow! It does make me wonder, this is the first time I have seen one so large, so what do the Japanese do with Neos that are this large? I can't imagine a plant this size sitting on the traditional mound of sphag, and I know this is their preferred method. Anyone got a clue? Jenny?

[bkim]

In Japan, fuuran and fuukiran judging also includes how well you potted the orchid with sphag. Plants done in other medium are not eligible for shows. They also prune off unattractive new growths like a bonsai. Which is why you always see perfect looking plants at Fuukiran shows. Because of this, I would think they never let them get that big.

[myorchid]

I see different spellings of Fuuran/Furan, etc. Which is correct? Also when is it Fuukiran?

In my booklet that I got from Satomi it is Furan/Fukiran.

Lots of different spellings, what information do you have? Thanks!

[arleneg]

I wish they would publish an English version of that chart.

I saw that chart posted on Satomi's booth, but had no idea what it was or says. We'll just have to wait for an English version (fingers crossed).

[bkim]

Once Satomi is back from Japan, we could suggest that she translate the chart and provide the info on her website.

[myorchid]

That is a great idea! I would also like to see what the chart says, it is in my booklet.

Ok, thanks on the names. So my common variety is Furan.

[arleneg]

Originally Posted by bkim

Once Satomi is back from Japan, we could suggest that she translate the chart and provide the info on her website.

I was thinking the same thing!

[kid a]

I wish I could read it! I think it'll be a while before I can though, lol!

[solay]

I think it's a great idea to get someone from Japan to translate it. Very interesting looking chart.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by brookn

It's just amazingly gorgeous, and an inspiration. I held my Benisuzume up to the picture and comanded it to grow! It does make me wonder, this is the first time I have seen one so large, so what do the Japanese do with Neos that are this large? I can't imagine a plant this size sitting on the traditional mound of sphag, and I know this is their preferred method. Anyone got a clue? Jenny?

I seen a pic of a monster specimen Neo in spagh and traditionally potted. I'll track the pic.

[bkim]

Speaking of which, I found these pictures yesterday while looking into kinkujaku:

Kinkujaku -- variegated bean leaf!!


Kirinmaru


Furan -- this one is definitely bigger than mine. Looks like its in a bonsai pot which is what I plan to do

[myorchid]

I like those! I love the pot on picture #1. I wasn't sure how to put it in the bonsai pot. I have a pot just like the one in #3. When you do yours let us know how you were able to do it.

[bkim]

I'm still looking for the right pot and its going to be a month or two before I begin repotting (when the blooms are dead). I'm looking for a 10"w x 4" h bonsai pot. I might get an Erin Bonsai pot for it.

BTW: There is a nice sized seikai and shutennou on ebay for anyone looking for those.

[kid a]

Wow, are those pictures on a web site? (I tried to do some sleuthing and so far all I could pick out and find in my book is fukuran but it is not in kanji it is in hirangana which is not on that chart :-( but i did find fu in kanji which is on that chart. What is confusing me is that some of the kanji character have multiple words meanings while some kanji words have multiple characters.) Anyways, those pictures are awesome, could you imagine being the proud owner of one of those babies? bkim, when you repot you should see about going to Japan for a judging just to see what happens, lol! How are your blooms coming along?

[bkim]

Originally Posted by kid a

bkim, when you repot you should see about going to Japan for a judging just to see what happens, lol! How are your blooms coming along?

I don't plan on using sphag so unfortunately, it would be ineligible for judging and plus I can't imagine how I'd take that on a plane . I do plan on entering it in a local orchid society judging next year when I'm eligible. Blooms are coming along great! The first spike should be completely open by tonight. I'll take updated pictures. The flowers seem a bit on the small side though . I'm hoping its because the petals haven't fully plumped out yet. No fragrance so far.

BTW: here is a collection of Neofinetia falcata pictures I've found on the web. Lots of varieties I've never heard of:Pictures

[myorchid]

I saw those for sale on ebay. I would love to get one, but seems like they all go for soooo much money!

I have a Shutennou and Gojofukurin coming. I will repot in traditional mound I hope they are nice looking, hard to tell from the picture.

I got a call from home, my Neo pots and Den moniliforme have arrived! I will be potting it up and moving my Neo's around tonight! I hope to get pictures up tonight.

Maybe I will go home early?????

[kid a]

Originally Posted by bkim

I don't plan on using sphag so unfortunately, it would be ineligible for judging and plus I can't imagine how I'd take that on a plane . I do plan on entering it in a local orchid society judging next year when I'm eligible. Blooms are coming along great! The first spike should be completely open by tonight. I'll take updated pictures. The flowers seem a bit on the small side though . I'm hoping its because the petals haven't fully plumped out yet. No fragrance so far.

BTW: here is a collection of Neofinetia falcata pictures I've found on the web. Lots of varieties I've never heard of:Pictures

Yay! I can't wait to see them! Hopefully they plump up for you, I have not seen one in bloom other than in pictures yet. Maybe I should take a trip to the g/h to see if theirs are in bloom yet.

[arleneg]

bkim,

Thanks for sharing those Neo pics. I added the variegated bean leaf to my wish list. Now, it's a matter of how much do I save up! LOL

Check out Dallas Bonsai Garden (BONSAI TOOLS and BONSAI SUPPLIES - DALLAS BONSAI GARDEN). They have a decent inventory of ceramic and plastic bonsai pots.

[Brooke]

Here is another good site for bonsai pots.

Bonsaimonk.com - eStore

I'm sure glad I kept all of mine :>)

Brooke

[bkim]

Thanks for the links to the bonsai pots. There are soooo many different varieties, it's gonna be tough choosing the right one.

[solay]

Those pictures of the large specimens are great. Wish I could buy one. Too bad I'm not a millionaire. I eventually want some more too.

Bkim, tell us as soon as you smell a scent what it's like. I never smelled one before. Can't wait.

[articuno75]

Furan -- this one is definitely bigger than mine. Looks like its in a bonsai pot which is what I plan to do

Bkim~ There is one that is bigger than that on rocks and some in a pot. The biggest one I seen was cultivated on a rock mount and it was ginormous! I can't find the pics now and I'm frustrated.

The other one that I had seen were in either bulb pans or bonsai pans, I couldn't tell. They were also huge!

[bkim]

Originally Posted by articuno75

Bkim~ There is one that is bigger than that on rocks and some in a pot. The biggest one I seen was cultivated on a rock mount and it was ginormous! I can't find the pics now and I'm frustrated.

The other one that I had seen were in either bulb pans or bonsai pans, I couldn't tell. They were also huge!

I hope you find them! Rock mounted Neo sounds great and I'd love to get more ideas on how to repot my Neo.

Here's another update. The first spike is almost fully opened and the oldest bloom is starting to smell like vanilla. Just did a recount on the spikes and there are 30 spikes in total in varying degrees of development.

[myorchid]

Just beautiful! I love the smell of those flowers. Does yours smell stronger in the evening? Mine was very strong in the evening and barely there during the day.

Are the flowers completely white? It looks like it. Great growing! I love it!!

[kid a]

Yay! I think it looks there might be a little pink in the lower petals of flowers, or is it the lighting? What an awesome plant!

[solay]

30 spikes!!! WOW! Vanilla sounds yummy. They all have different scents even if it's the same variety or it only depending on the type of Neos? By that I mean does all Furan smell the same?

[myorchid]

So far I only have one in bloom and it smells like vanilla. Don't know about my others, but I heard there is one that smells like bubblegum!!

[bkim]

I thought they were supposed to smell the same but everyone has a different perception of how it smells like.

solay - the flowers are white. it would have been quite a surprise if they were pink.

Damn heat! I hope my plants are doing ok. I haven't been home yet.

[solay]

Me too. I left the house early this morning around 8 am. Usually I don't leave until 2:30 pm for work. I hope they are OK too. I don't like it this hot at all. Well, unless I'm on vacation.

I got my husband saying he'll take me back to Japan Town one of these days for more Neos. I've been telling him how cheap they are there compared to buying online. I think he wants to save money. I have so many tricks up my sleeves, it's getting scary. Hee! Hee! Hee!

[butt0n]

I'm glad to see everyone's Neos doing well. My Shutennou's last bud dried up this week sad, sad day. My Hisui is in bud and I'm hoping those don't go too...

[arleneg]

bkim -- Our air conditioner has been down since Thursday afternoon. So we've been sweating like crazy out here in central valley!! I hope it gets fixed/replaced on Monday. My plants, especially the seedlings and several cool-intermediate growers, are suffering! One of the leaves on my Shutennou is starting to turn yellow!

I'm misting as often as I can. The air circulation is very warm... Ahhhh...

Cindy -- Once we get addicted to orchids, we find creative ways to find reasons, excuses, etc. for acquiring more. Hey, let's do lunch in J-town..us girls only.

[articuno75]

Oh Arlene, I heard of the killer heat! Try and stay cool!!! As for the Neos, be careful misting, and make sure that a fan can blow on them. You might end up with fungus or rot.

[arleneg]

Jenny,

With the orchid room reaching 96F - 98F (35.6C - 36.6C) and having humidity in the 20% range, I don't think the water drops have time to sit on the plants for long. Tomorrow, I'll be removing my Neos from the orchid room and taking them downstairs where it's a few degrees cooler, 90F - 92F (32.2C - 33.3C). The rest of the 'chids will stay upstairs. LOL

[butt0n]

How long does Dr. Lehr usually take to respond to your emails? I sent one a few days ago and haven't heard a word.

[arleneg]

butt0n,

It depends on how busy or not Dr. Lehr is. His replies take between 12 hours to 72 hours, sometimes a little more. Also, he tends to travel to Japan and England a few times a year.

[solay]

Arlene, that sounds good. I'm just glad the weather has cooled down again.

I hope you get a least one bloom ButtOn. Just a little sniff of the fragrance to tie you over until next bloom season.

[bkim]

I just got an email from satomi. She's back and selling new stuff on Ebay.

eBay Seller: japaneseorchids: Home Garden items on eBay.com

Happy bidding!

[articuno75]

Here is my new Gekkeikan in spike and the new growth that I discovered while watering it a couple of days ago.

[myorchid]

Hey, that is great!



How is the Geikkeikan different from the Gojofukurin? Is there less of the lighter color on the leaves or more?

[arleneg]

bkim -- I received an email from her, too.

Happy bidding to all. Good luck! Let us know if you win any.

Jenny -- Nice! A new growth and a spike.