Some of my Neofinetias

[myxodex]

Over the last few years I've gone neo crazy ... now have 22 of them. I use the traditional japanese
method ... but I cheat and use cheap plastic haircurlers to help with getting a hollow mound.

One of the reasons I like these is that they are small and come in a variety of growth forms. Here are two of my smaller
bean leaf types Ryokuhou on the left and Isechabo on the right with the normal sized mShutennou in the middle.

The pine-needle type Awaharibeni is also a compact grower

Standard form

The next one has the biggest flowers of all mine, they open up very pale creamy yellow and fade to ivory white,
the leaves have subtle variegation, dark and light green. I think this one is Kokkoden but I will have to check

This Shutennou has been quite a good grower and produced 3 spikes this year, this one in April
the other two in June

The next one Kutsuwamushi (chirping cricket) I got this year in bud and three of the buds blasted.
This is a compact stocky plant with down-curved leaves. The flowers are generally held to face face upwards with the spurs
also curved upwards. The flowers are lightly brushed with pink.

Another one I got this year, Toyozakura is a purple pink form. My Benisuzume has similar flowers
but more of a true pink (unfortunately I didn't get to photograph it)

WARNING ! these are very addictive and not cheap! beware

Hope you enjoy
Cheers,
Tim

 

[Kevin]

Very nice! Thanks for posting. I might have to get one when Jason comes here. Can someone explain why Neofinetias need/like to be potted in such a way? If it is for keeping the roots dryer, then how about mounting them? I think I saw a pic like that here somewhere. How do they grow in the wild?

 

[goldenrose]

Great idea with the hair curlers!!! Neat little plants!

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

Ah yes, they can be a menace to one's wallet. Before coming to Japan I didn't even realize there were special forms of this species, and now I've invested a good hunk of change into them. Love the hair curler idea!

Can someone explain why Neofinetias need/like to be potted in such a way? If it is for keeping the roots dryer, then how about mounting them? I think I saw a pic like that here somewhere. How do they grow in the wild?

Kevin, in the wild they live like a typical epiphyte with all their roots fully exposed to air except for mosses and lichens growing over them. They do very well on mounts if the humidity remains high most of the time, say above 70%.

It is not necessary to grow them like the Japanese do - this potting technique is broadly used in various forms for many plants BTW. Replanting in new moss is a constant issue. Every other year seems the optimum under my conditions. Figure no more than three years in the same moss. While some roots will grow directly into the moss, many more will grow just above it. The roots like to be moist then dry to the touch, then moist and so on. If properly watered sphagnum can produce that effect. The need humid conditions at all times however, even during their winter dormancy.

 

[smartie2000]

I like the look of that Kutsuwamushi!

BTW good idea with the hair curlers to keep the center hollow.

 

[Elena]

They look really good. I imagine it doesn't help that NWO now have a rep in UK :rollhappy: I managed to stop at 4...for now.

 

[Yoyo_Jo]

They're great! Interesting potting technique.

 

[NYEric]

I would so kill all of those in a few days! Thanx for posting photos.

 

[SlipperFan]

Aren't you clever!!! What a great idea -- hair curlers!

 

[Candace]

Do you leave the hair curler in or remove it?

 

[Ron-NY]

Great idea with the hair curlers!!! Neat little plants!

I agree...neat idea. I sometimes put Styrofoam peanuts into the hollow

 

[Scooby5757]

Ditto on the hair curler idea. Smart move!

 

[myxodex]

Thanks all,
Candace, I do not remove the curlers ... this would be difficult because the little spikes on the outside of the curlers grip the moss. I usually finish with the longer strands wrapping them around and tucking them in so the plant is snug and tight. I find the plants prefer this and the moss dries more quickly if the "wrap" is quite tight.

I buy the curlers at a hair care shop that has quite a selection ... these, the cheapest, also have the most open structure. BTW I'm middle aged and bald and get quizzical looks when I buy the curlers !
Cheers,
Tim

 

[goldenrose]

..... BTW I'm middle aged and bald and get quizzical looks when I buy the curlers !Cheers,Tim

:rollhappy: :rollhappy: :rollhappy:

 

[biothanasis]

GReat flowers!!!! I have tried once for a Neofinetia, but I finally killed it! Perhaps too little light or/and humidity! I wish I could grow them properly!!!

 

[philoserenus]

I hafta say WOW!! lots of beautiful neos. i wish here, we can get the many different forms

 

[likespaphs]

GReat flowers!!!! I have tried once for a Neofinetia, but I finally killed it! Perhaps too little light or/and humidity! I wish I could grow them properly!!!

me too!

 

[Corbin]

I want one but know I can not give them what they want.