LONG AWAITED FLOWERS OF NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'HISUI' 翡翠

One of my favorite blooming FUUKIRAN is 'Hisui' 翡翠. I have always been drawn to green flowers, as green highlights its lines and shapes like no other. Related to that, I love black and white photography, as its somehow able to focus my eye on details, otherwise overlooked in color photos.

As I gaze at the flowers, it is clear, why this FUUKIRAN was named 'Hisui' 翡翠 or jade. There is a Chinese saying: "gold has a value; jade is invaluable". Green is quite rare among FUUKIRAN, especially at the time when 'Hisui' 翡翠 was discovered in 1980's. Besides, Jade is the national stone of Japan.

Last thing I want to mention is its fragrance, which reminds me of european cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens). As with many FUUKIRAN, its scent gets much stronger during the eveningt.

Although, old blooming specimens will impress with their profusion of flowers and foliage, my very young plant photographed on the rainy day, transcends delicateness.

Neofinetia falcata 'Hisui' 翡翠 displayed in pot with beautiful jade crackled glaze by the famous Heian Kouzan.

Neofinetia falcata 'Hisui' 翡翠 flowers close up.

CHANGEFUL FLOWERS OF NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'KINGINRASHA' 金銀羅紗

A beautiful 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 is in bloom. My plant is very young with only one fan, yet it is blooming. Star shaped flowers are pure white with the spur rolled in a circle. Very nice and compact presentation!

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 displayed in a vintage pot by Koshousen, Yamaaki kiln, Tokoname, Japan.  

Another effective feature of this FUUKIRAN is pedicel (a steam that attaches flower to the inflorescence). The pedicel is green at the base, transitioning to reddish, followed by light yellowish green color before the flower.

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 flowers with colorful pedicels.

In addition, white flowers of 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 turn yellowish at the end of their life. Thus 'Kinginrasha' literally means "Gold and Silver Felt", where 'felt' refers to the ruff texture of the leaves. Flower yellowing is common among Neofinetias, the uncommon part is that the flowers of 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 while yellow preserve their shape for some time before wilting.

Freshly opened flowers of Neofinetia falcata 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 

Flowers turn yellow at the end of their blooming cycle.

BLOOMING NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'SHOUJOU' 猩々

It is a beautiful spectacle, Neofinetia falcata 'Shoujou' 猩々 in bloom! Amethyst color tinted flowers are less common among typically white flowered FUUKIRAN. Even a young plant like mine, with only one spike and five flowers is a show stopper. The pale amethyst growing root tips coordinates beautifully with the amethyst tips of the sepals and petals. 

Blooming Neofinetia falcata 'Shoujou' 猩々 displayed in a Japanese pot by Youzan (Shimizu Masakazu) of Tokoname.

Neofinetia falcata 'Shoujou' 猩々 flower close-up

NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'TAMAKONGO' 玉金剛 IN BLOOM

It is finally in full bloom! A year later, recovered from a move, the orchid has put out two flowering spikes. This particular FUUKIRAN creates a beautiful compact display of MAMEBA type foliage and flowers with short spur. The showy look and sweet fragrance, combined with ease of growing, makes this FUUKIRAN one of the most desirable in my collection.

Another characteristic of this FUUKIRAN is long roots. The plant develops long branching roots and therefore best displayed in a tall pot, where its silvery roots can be fully appreciated.

Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo' 玉金剛 displayed in a pot made by Keiko Stusnick, Japanese-American potter

Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo' 玉金剛 flowers close up

A JEWEL AMONG THE ROOTS

One of the most striking root tips amongst the FUUKIRAN is known as "ruby". Although the color is of a bright amethyst. Check out the photo below. No description can do the justice of this striking color! After the winter's dormancy these brightly colored root tips appear from the steams of certain FUUKIRAN cultivars. As the roots continue to grow, the ruby tips are followed by the white root cover, known as velamen. Velamen is a protecting epidermal layer, characteristic of many air plants. One of the functions of which is to act as a sponge collecting moisture around the live root tissue beneath.

Growing root tips of Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿

When the root active growth is paused or completed, the ruby root tips disappear until the next growth cycle.

Regular watering and higher humidity will attribute to a maximum root growth of FUUKIRAN awaken from a winter sleep.

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'KINGINRASHA' 金銀羅紗

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 3.5-4 in (9-10 cm); jiku - dark purple; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - red-brown*

I adore this small sized FUUKIRAN with the name 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗, which means "Gold and Silver Felt". When flowers are freshly opened they are white (hence silver), with age they turn yellow (hence gold). Towards the end of its bloom it is amusing to see the 'Kinginrasha' with white and yellow flowers mixed together. It is not uncommon for white flowers to turn yellow at the end of blooming, the difference is, 'Kinginrasha' keeps its yellow flowers for longer. Flower spikes are short and upward facing. The flowers have recurved sepals and petals and a curled spur.

Another interesting feature of 'Kinginrasha' is the unusual texture of its leaves. They are rough to the touch, hence - felt-like. Because of this ruff texture, the leaf epidermis is much thicker then in most FUUKIRAN, which gives this cultivar yet another characteristic. The entire plant has glowing outlines, when it is backlit. I have been giving this little plant a lot of sunlight and starting to notice more and more purple streaks and dots on its leaves.

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 displayed in a pot by Heian Kosen from Kyoto, Japan

Closeup of Neofinetia falcata 'Kinginrasha' 金銀羅紗 leaf texture

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'KINPOUZAN' 金峰山

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 4.5 in (11.5 cm); jiku - dark purple; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - redish-brown*

FUUKIRAN 'Kinpouzan' 金峰山 or "Golden Mountain Peak" is named after Mount Kinpou, located between Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures in Japan. This very striking, compact FUUKIRAN has wide gracefully arching leaves and contrasting genpei variegation. The green stripe outlines only one side of each leaf, leaving the other half yellow. The plant appears different depending at which side you look. It is a great example of FUUKIRAN that is admired for its foliage. However, this type of variegation is unstable and could transition to shima type striping. Let's hope not!

Can't wait for the spring, for the emerged second growth to start growing actively, in this, otherwise, very slow growing cultivar.

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinpouzan' 金峰山 displayed in a pot by Mizuno Shikao of Tosui kiln from Seto, Japan

The other side of Neofinetia falcata 'Kinpouzan' 金峰山 displayed in a pot by Mizuno Shikao of Tosui kiln from Seto, Japan

Striking variegation of Neofinetia falcata 'Kinpouzan' 金峰山

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'YOROIDOUSHI' 鎧通し

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 4-4.5 in (10-12 cm); jiku - green; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - brown*

This very elegant FUUKIRAN was named 'Yoroidoushi' 鎧通し after the sword. An appropriate name for the orchid that is often called "samurai" orchid. The yoroidoushi sword was forged to pierce through armor and was worn by samurai in feudal Japan. This FUUKIRAN has very narrow and pointy leaves, and belongs to the hariba or needle-leaf group.

Neofinetia falcata 'Yoroidoushi' 鎧通し displayed in a typical Neofinetia pot

Samurai worrier 

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'BYAKKO' 白虎

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 4 in (10 cm); jiku - dark purple; tsuke - straight line; ne - redish-brown*

The FUUKIRAN 'Byakko' 白虎 name translates as "White Tiger", a mythological creature and one of the four symbols in the Chinese constellations. Also known as White Tiger of the West, this symbol is positioned in the western direction of the compass, representing autumn and a metal element.

This cultivar is fairly new and is a great example of the torafu or tiger type variegation. I am very pleased to have it. The plant is rather compact and the foliage looks spectacular with a sharp contrast between the creamy-white and green sections of their leaves. Each leaf has a different proportion of white and green. Although, I have yet to see it blooming, I have read that it produces spur-less white flowers.

Neofinetia falcata 'Byakko' 白虎 displayed in a typical neofinetia pot, I have yet to match it to a perfect pot 

Closeup of Neofinetia falcata 'Byakko' 白虎 variegation

Side view of Neofinetia falcata 'Byakko' 白虎 variegation

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'GOJO FUKURIN' 御城覆輪

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 8.5 in (21.5 cm); jiku - dark purple; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - green*

The first two characters in the name 'Gojo Fukurin' 御城覆輪 can be interpreted as "Imperial City", the last two characters mean "Fukurin" or ornamental border, describing the marginal leaf variegation of this elegant FUUKIRAN. It is the largest Neofinetia in my collection. Although, I am starting with just one fan, it should produce new fans this coming spring. The white flowers are typical of Neofinetia and are displayed in harmony against the creamy-white and green striped foliage. This cultivar is known to change variegation and mutate into other FUUKIRAN.

Neofinetia falcata 'Gojo Fukurin'  御城覆輪 displayed in a pot by Mizuno Shikao of Tosui kiln from Seto, Japan

Close up of Neofinetia falcata 'Gojo Fukurin'  御城覆輪 showing fukurin type variegation

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'KUTSUWAMUSHI' 轡虫

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 5 in (13 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - green*

'Kutsuwamushi' 轡虫 is the namesake of the Japanese katydid (Mecopoda niponensis). I could see at least two reasons why this FUUKIRAN is named this. One reason is that it has a unique leaf tip, that is elongated and pointy, reminding of the abdomen of a katydid. The second reason might be in its flowers which have an upturned spur, reminiscent of a katydid's antenna.

'Kutsuwamushi' is a very attractive blooming FUUKIRAN with rather compact growth. I look forward to watching my little plant grow and bloom.

Neofinetia falcata 'Kutsuwamushi' 轡虫 displayed in a Japanese pot by Bigei (Hirata Atsumi) of Tokoname**

Leaf tip of Neofinetia falcata 'Kutsuwamushi' 轡虫

Giant Katydid (Kutsuwamushi) from the "Picture Book of Insects" (Ehon Mushi Erami) by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1788; woodblock print, ink and color on paper

** This Bigei pot is made with shudei bokashi or vermilion clay and carved with four famous proverbs. Here they are in very loose translation:

Ishin-denshin 以心伝心
"Understand each other without talking"

Ishibashi-o-tataite-wataru 石橋を叩いて渡る
"Tap on a stone bridge before crossing it"

Ishi-no-ue-nimo-sannen 石の上にも三年
"Be patient even if you have to sit on a rock for three years"

Isogaba-maware 急がば回れ
"Haste makes waste"

I could apply every one of them to learning the art of growing FUUKIRAN or any other discipline for that matter!

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'HOUMEIDEN' 豊明殿

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 5-5.5 in (13-14 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - ruby*

'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 is a very impressive FUUKIRAN in many ways. Its name could be translated as "Bright Temple" or "Bright Palace" pointing to a vary interesting torafu or tiger type variegation called amanogawa. It is characterized by having a middle portion of the leaf white. 'Houmeiden' variegation is ephemeral, as the leaf matures it turns completely green. Such a beautiful feature reminds me of nagajuban 長襦袢, one of the layers of kimono 着物. Only the white collar edge of the traditional nagajuban shows from beneath the outer kimono.

The other prized quality of 'Houmeiden' is in its roots. Bright amethyst-pink to ruby-red colored growing root tips contrast with white velamen of the rest of the root. It is quite a showcase to see this orchid during its active growth.

Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 displayed in Chinese pot with dragon carving and perforated rhombus pattern 

Close up view of Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 with young variegated leaves

Close up view of Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 growing root tip

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'SUIKADEN' 翠華殿

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 2.5-3 in (6-8 cm); jiku - green; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - brown*

This FUUKIRAN's name 'Suikaden' 翠華殿 is very hard to interpret in English. The kanji characters, in the order as they are written, mean "green", "flower" and "noble palace". Occasionally it is called "Imperial Flag", but I can't find the reason for such name. Unless "Green Flower Palace" makes sense, it is best to use 'Suikaden' without English translation as its own name.

'Suikaden' plants are compact with beautiful arching leaves, that belong to mameba or bean-leaf group. Flowers are white, but after opening could retain green colored tips on their petals and especially sepals and spur, hence its name.

Neofinetia falcata 'Suikaden' 翠華殿 displayed in a vintage Japanese pot painted with CHUNRAN motif (maker unknown)

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'BENIMUSOU' 紅無双

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 1.5 in (4 cm); jiku - green; tsuke - wave; ne - brown*

Since it is hard to translate 'Benimusou' 紅無双 name from Japanese, I will be using 'Benimusou' as its name.

There were several cultivars selected out of seedlings of a cross between Neofinetia falcata 'Benikujaku' 紅孔雀 with Neofinetia falcata 'Yodonomatsu' 淀の松 in the late 1980s. Among them was 'Benimusou'. Interesting that even among 'Benimusou' plants there is a variation. So, my 'Benimusou' might look slightly different from yours.

This very amusing miniature FUUKIRAN belongs to a mameba group. The plant I own has boat shaped leaves closely nestled on top of each other, and not too ruff leaf texture. I look forward to seeing this plant grow and reaching its potential.

Neofinetia falcata 'Benimousou' 紅無双 displayed in a Japanese pot by Kataoka Susumu from Tokoname

Neofinetia falcata 'Benimousou' 紅無双 view from above

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'SHOUJOU' 猩々

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 6 in (15 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - brown*

This FUUKIRAN is named 'Shoujou' 猩々after the Japanese mythological spirit. Shoujou is a human-like sea spirit with long hair and red skin, who dresses in seaweed and lives in the ocean floor. Shoujou is known for making a drink form shiro sake that is poisonous only to those who are bad. To a good person it is a delicious drink. I like the use of Shoujou spirit name for this orchid! Although, it is often translated as "Red Face", a "faceless" name to me.

The plant has a beautiful presentation, with fairly narrow leaves positioned more or less straight. Flowers are light purple on a dark purple stem, hence the connection to the sea spirit. This FUUKIRAN originates from the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands of Japan.

Neofinetia falcata 'Shoujou' 猩々 displayed in a Japanese pot by Youzan (Shimizu Masakazu) of Tokoname

Depiction of Shoujou as a character in a Noh theater play

Noh theater mask worn by Shoujou character

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'SEIKAI' 青海

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 2.5-3 in (6-8 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - wave; ne - green*

This beloved FUUKIRAN's name is 'Seikai' 青海 or "Blue Ocean", inspired by the famous pattern known in Japanese as seikaiha 青海波, which literally means "blue wave of the sea". The plant belongs to mameba or bean-leaf group with its deeply curved leaves and compact growth habit. Tsuke is in the shape of the wave and is more rare than other forms of tsuke. This FUUKIRAN is admired not only for its leaves but also for its flowers, as the flowers it produces are most unique and bizarre. In light pink, they remind me a flock of flamingoes, occupied with their feathers cleaning. I have yet to enjoy my 'Seikai' in bloom, hopefully, in a few months, as the flowering spike have already started to emerge.

Neofinetia falcata 'Seikai' 青海 displayed in a vintage Japanese pot with cloud feet (maker unknown)

Seikaiha 青海波 ornamental design popular in Japan. It was first used in China to depict the sea on ancient maps.

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'HISUI' 翡翠

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 5-6 in (13-15 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - brown*

'Hisui' 翡翠 literally means "Jade" in reference to the color of its flowers. Green is a rare color among FUUKIRAN, which made this form extremely popular since its discovery in 1980's on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. 'Hisui' is primarily regarded as a flower form, although its elegant, lightly arching leaves make a nice display in off blooming time.

Neofinetia falcata 'Hisui' 翡翠 displayed in a Japanese pot by famous Heian Kouzan

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* The characteristics are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'KUROSHINJU' 黒真珠

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - brown*

'Kuroshinju' 黒真珠 or "Black Pearl" is the name of this one of the smallest of FUUKIRAN discovered in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. With its short succulent leaves it belongs to a mameba or bean-leaf group. Although, it might be among one of the most amusing FUUKIRAN for its size and shape, 'Kuroshinju' produces showy flowers, that are smaller than normal, fleshy and upright oriented, a miniature all around!

Neofinetia falcata 'Kuroshinju' 黒真珠 displayed in a vintage Japanese pot by Katoaka Akiji, founder of Yamaaki kiln

Neofinetia falcata 'Kuroshinju' 黒真珠 size demonstration

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'YAMATO NISHIKI' 大和錦

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 4-5 in (10-13 cm); jiku - green; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - multi color*

'Yamato Nishiki' 大和錦 could be literary translated as "Japanese Brocade". Although, the word nishiki is used in Japanese names given to variegated plant cultivars and forms and points to their multicolored variegated leaves. It is also used in koi and goldfish names to reflect their calico coloration. 'Yamato Nishiki' form was selected fairly recently out of the seedlings of Neofinetia falcata 'Fugaku' 富嶽. It differs by being more stout and compact, producing a beautiful display of arching wide leaves. It is variegated with random streaks, known as chirufu. The streaks are yellow and lime green and the variegation is uneven and subtle with many shades of green and yellow.

It is as much flower form as it is leaf. Fragrant flowers are white with curved upward spurs and arranged in compact inflorescence. Together with the tightly arranged foliage this FUUKIRAN looks remarkably attractive in bloom. As a bonus, the flowers are more succulent and stay in bloom 1-2 weeks longer than other FUUKIRAN.

Neofinetia falcata 'Yamato Nishiki' 大和錦 displayed in an antique Uematsu Tosui pot **

Young leaf variegation of Neofinetia falcata 'Yamato Nishiki' 大和錦

Matured leaves variegation of Neofinetia falcata 'Yamato Nishiki' 大和錦

** This pot was designed by the founder of the famous Tosui kiln - Uematsy Chotaro (1899-1959) and made 60-70 years ago by Mizuno Masao (1904-1975). Tosui kiln of the Seto region in Aichi Prefecture, Japan is still producing pottery today. 

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own

INTRODUCTIONS ● NEOFINETIA FALCATA 'KINKOUSEI' 金光星

CHARACTERISTICS: leaf span - 4-5 in (10-13 cm); jiku - brown; tsuke - crescent moon; ne - brown*

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinkousei' 金光星 displayed in a vintage pot from Syungado kiln 春雅堂

 with dragon carving.

'Kinkousei' 金光星 or "Golden Constellation Light" is the name of this unique FUUKIRAN. When the plant is held against the light over dark background, the star-like pattern appears on its leaves, otherwise not clearly notable, as if the orchid has watermarks. It has torafu or tiger type variegation.

'Kinkousei' stays compact and produces a beautiful display of evenly fanned and spread narrow pointy leaves. This form is quite amusing and admired for its uncommon variegated foliage and a nice display. It produces white flowers, although, I have yet to see my 'Kinkousei' blooming.

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinkousei' 金光星 with the light through the leaves.

Neofinetia falcata 'Kinkousei' 金光星 with no light through the leaves.

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* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own