Is there a site or place on the web that shows how two properly wrap moss around a Neofinetia?:Party:

You can see one here...

http://www.newworldorchids.com/pages/neopotting.htm

Although, I just got finished repotting a few Neofinetia, and I can tell you that I developed my own technique after doing one or two.

How you wrap also depends on the type of sphagnum you've got. If it is long fibered then you can use the technique on the New World site. If it is short fibered you will be forced to use some way of holding it together. I use fine fishing line. I've seen that done here in Japan by experienced growers as well. Of course you should only use high quality moss that is dried, not alive.

Tom

Tom,

How can one tell that the moss is dried and not live? I have purchased from two different sources and one batch was good moss with very few twigs, the other was junk with alot of waste materials in it.

Also, when are you going to send me a gift package with some Neofinetia inside? :)

Hey Frank!

You can tell it is dead because it is totally dry. Higher quality sphagnum is long fibered (each piece is maybe 3 to 6 inches long), and has a pale pinkish color, almost white. There should be no sticks, leaves, decaying plant matter, etc. at all in it. Some quality sphagnum is not as long fibered, but is still good. I use New Zealand moss because it is commonly sold here, but Chilean moss is quite good as well. These are typically sold in compacted "brick" form. Most of the moss from North American sources are pretty low in quality in my experience (unless anyone knows otherwise!).

Tom

can you use the same method for masdies?

I bought a package from a big box store, and it was junk. More sticks and leaves than moss.

Then I ordered a large brick from a vendor who sells supplies. It was very compact, so I broke off part of the brick and soaked it. Just a little bit of the brick made a ton of moss once it soaked up the water. It was pretty nice moss too, 6-8 inches in length. I threw out the other moss and repotted all of my neos with the new moss.

I assume since it was in a dry, compressed brick this is the "dead" moss you speak of?

Using the AAAA Sphagnum from Orchids Limited definitely made wrapping mine MUCH easier (thanks Marcus!). It is very high grade and all the strands were at least 6 inches long and very clean and almost white. I did it by feel mostly, and started by getting all the strands even on one end and adding slightly more on the top than the bottom. After doing a few, you get the hang of it. The site listed above is the one I looked over before trying it, and it gives the basics of it pretty well.

Jon

Thanks so much, now to find a place that sells quailty neo's any suggestions?

http://www.orchidweb.com The website of Orchids Limited.

http://www.newworldorchids.com The website of Dr. Glenn Lehr

You can't go wrong ordering from either of these sites. Just be prepared to spend some money.

And this is just my advice, it may not be right for you, but I would buy the largest plant I could afford. You won't be dissapointed with a three or four growth mature plant, even if you have to spend more money. If you buy a seedling for half the price, but it doesn't bloom for three years, you might not enjoy it as much.

Also keep in mind that these bloom from late spring to summer, so if you wait a couple more months you might be able to buy a Neo in spike or bloom.

Thank you so much for the information. I appreciate it.
:D