Neofinetia falcata Culture
LIGHT
Neofinetias prefer medium light levels, from 1500 - 2500 foot-candles, about the same as Cattleyas. Neofinetias can be grown indoors with an east exposure, and south, or west exposure with some shade from direct sun. They can also be grown under fluorescent lights indoors. Keep the plants about 6" - 8" from at least 4 tubes. In frost free climates, plants may be grown outdoors with filtered sunlight.
TEMPERATURE
Plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In the spring and summer, day-time temperature can reach 70º F to 100º F, with a 10 to 20 degree difference at night. During winter months, day temperatures below 70º F are preferred. Neofinetia falcata will tolerate winter temperatures in the mid 30's!
HUMIDITY
Ideally humidity should be kept from 40 to 70%. However they can tolerate lower levels. Use humidity trays or a small room humidifier when growing indoors.
WATER & FERTILIZER
Use pure water, such as rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosis water if possible. Hard water tends to spot the leaves and will eventually collect in the medium. Flush the plant regularly, especially if using municipal or well water. Never use artificially softened water. Plants should dry out between watering. Use ample water in spring and summer while the plants are in active growth and in flower, reducing water greatly during cooler winter days. If plants are mounted, they will need to be water/misted every other day. For fertilizer use a balanced orchid fertilizer during active growth. If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, use a fertilizer formulated for pure water, or add some tap water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize very lightly every other watering during the growing season. If plants are mounted, they will need to be water/misted every other day.
POTTING MEDIUM & POTS
Neofinetias will grow in a wide variety of medium, ranging from coarse bark to the traditional method of sphagnum moss. They can also be grown mounted if preferred. Pots can also range from clay to plastic. With any pots, insure there is adequate drainage. Add extra holes to plastic pots and enlarge the bottom hole in clay pots.
REPOTTING
Plants should be repotted every 2 years or sooner if the medium breaks down. It is common for some of the roots to grow outside of the medium. When repotting you can gently ease the roots back into the medium. Roots are more pliable if wetted first. At the time of repotting, larger plants can be divided by pulling the fans apart. It is preferable to keep divisions with 3 or more fans, and there should be at least a few live roots on each division. Best time to repot is in the spring, when you see new active root growth.
Neofinetias prefer medium light levels, from 1500 - 2500 foot-candles, about the same as Cattleyas. Neofinetias can be grown indoors with an east exposure, and south, or west exposure with some shade from direct sun. They can also be grown under fluorescent lights indoors. Keep the plants about 6" - 8" from at least 4 tubes. In frost free climates, plants may be grown outdoors with filtered sunlight.
TEMPERATURE
Plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In the spring and summer, day-time temperature can reach 70º F to 100º F, with a 10 to 20 degree difference at night. During winter months, day temperatures below 70º F are preferred. Neofinetia falcata will tolerate winter temperatures in the mid 30's!
HUMIDITY
Ideally humidity should be kept from 40 to 70%. However they can tolerate lower levels. Use humidity trays or a small room humidifier when growing indoors.
WATER & FERTILIZER
Use pure water, such as rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosis water if possible. Hard water tends to spot the leaves and will eventually collect in the medium. Flush the plant regularly, especially if using municipal or well water. Never use artificially softened water. Plants should dry out between watering. Use ample water in spring and summer while the plants are in active growth and in flower, reducing water greatly during cooler winter days. If plants are mounted, they will need to be water/misted every other day. For fertilizer use a balanced orchid fertilizer during active growth. If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, use a fertilizer formulated for pure water, or add some tap water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize very lightly every other watering during the growing season. If plants are mounted, they will need to be water/misted every other day.
POTTING MEDIUM & POTS
Neofinetias will grow in a wide variety of medium, ranging from coarse bark to the traditional method of sphagnum moss. They can also be grown mounted if preferred. Pots can also range from clay to plastic. With any pots, insure there is adequate drainage. Add extra holes to plastic pots and enlarge the bottom hole in clay pots.
REPOTTING
Plants should be repotted every 2 years or sooner if the medium breaks down. It is common for some of the roots to grow outside of the medium. When repotting you can gently ease the roots back into the medium. Roots are more pliable if wetted first. At the time of repotting, larger plants can be divided by pulling the fans apart. It is preferable to keep divisions with 3 or more fans, and there should be at least a few live roots on each division. Best time to repot is in the spring, when you see new active root growth.
