Vanda falcata Beer
Common Names
Wind Orchid, Samurai Orchid
Synonyms
Aerides thunbergii, Angorchis falcata, Angraecopsis falcata, Angraecum falcatum, Finetia falcata, Holcoglossum falcatum, Limodorum falcatum, Neofinetia falcata, Nipponorchis falcata, Oeceoclades falcata, Oeceoclades lindleyi, Orchis falcata
Scientific Classification
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandeae
Subtribe: Aeridinae
Genus: Vanda
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Spring through fall
Description
Vanda falcata is an epiphytic orchid that grows up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall on monopodial, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long stems. There are usually between 4 and 20 narrowly, oblong-falcate, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long leaves that are leathery and sheathed at the base. The inflorescence, including flowers, is up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long, suberect, and carries up to 10 fragrant, white flowers, each with a characteristic curved spur. It blooms once a year, typically from spring through fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 12b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 60 °F (15.6 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Wind Orchid is an easy plant to cultivate and flower and makes for a great addition to any orchid collection.
As with any orchid, use low to no mineral water. Reverse osmosis, rainwater, and distilled water should be used if your city water is high in mineral content. The high mount and perforated pot allow the plant to breathe well. If you allow the moss to dry out in spring completely, Wind Orchid often abort flowering for the season. Watch between the lower leaves and the axis for flower spikes to emerge. When it is colder and days are shorter, you can place Wind Orchid in an area that gets as cool as 40 ° F (5 °C). During the cool season, only water or mist the plants on sunny days.
Fertilizing is important in the growing season only, which is from spring through fall. Orchid fertilizer can be applied every 2nd to 3rd watering. Fertilizer may be cut out 100% in the winter and when the plants are in bloom. See more at How to Grow and Care for a Wind Orchid (Vanda falcata)
Origin
Vanda falcata is native to China, Korea, and Japan.
Links
- Back to genus Vanda
- Plantopedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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