Neofinetia falcata 'Shutennou'

Neofinetia orchids are a genus of the orchid family, related to vanda family. This genus in total combines of 3 species, three found in China, two in Korea and one in Japan. It is arguably the first orchid ever to be grown with intention as a house plant from the early 1600s in Japan. Furan, the Japanese name for “Neofinetia falcata,” started to be replaced by ‘Fuuki-ran’ meaning ‘the rich and noble orchid’ as the plant quickly became loved by rich and noble people. Many years ago, Fuukiran’s were covered by a gold or silver net in order to protect them and people had to cover their mouth with Kaishi (a thin paper usually used for calligraphy) in order not to breathe on the plants while they appreciated them. This, by the way, is the same way the Japanese appreciate a great sword. This was an important time for Fuukiran as they became established into the Japanese culture.

Neofinetia falcate ‘Shutennou’ is one of the most sought after of all the Neofinetia varieties. A very faithfully growing and blooming plant. This Neofinetia presents itself with a magenta coloured flower spikes with color on the spurs and tips of the petals. Plants may develop dark purple/black pigmentation (peppering) near the leaf axes and growth center under higher light conditions. Unlike some other showy varieties, the roots of this one remain timid and either pale green or lightly yellow.

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 & FERTILISER

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 fertiliser use a balanced orchid fertiliser during active growth.  If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, use a fertiliser formulated for pure water, or add some tap water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilise 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 or have been recently shown to grow fantastically well in semi hydroponics set up.  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.