Vanda falcata (Wind Orchid)

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 a epiphytic orchid up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall on monopodial stems up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. There are usually between 4 and 20 narrowly, oblong-falcate leaves up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long, 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, rain water 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 breath well. If you allow the moss to completely dry out in spring, 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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