Neofinetia falcata

Also known as: In Japan in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: China Nagasaki - Japan Okinawa - Japan

General Information

In Japan is a small monopodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China and Japan.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 6.4-15cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect leaves that grow to 5-10cm long

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the night.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 86mm to 434mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 82%, highest in June and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 3C to 31C, highest in August (23C to 31C) and lowest in January (3C to 12C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser year round.

Potting

This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks, Fern slabs or Cork slabs. Repotting is best done in Winter or Spring and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.