Neofinetia falcata 'Shunkyuden'Neofinetia falcata was the only species in this very small genus until 1996 when Neofinetia richardsiana was added, followed by N. xichangensis in 2004. The two new discoveries are limited to specific regions within China. Neofinetia falcata has a slightly broader distribution area, from China to Temperate East Asia, and it is also the one of the three that has found its way into cultivation. Even though we are talking about one species here dedicated growers have produced countless cultivars with a fascinating range of  variations in shape and color. They have been highly valued orchids in Japan since the day of the samurai, but are still very hard to get a hold of here in Europe but I am proudly growing 11 of them. ‘Shunkyuden’ is the weirdest one of the bunch, known for all its  “extra” floral parts. It looks like a mad scientist had a field day, and I just adore it. It is the first one out this season, but ‘Kibana’ is right behind it and ‘Shutenno’ is on deck with two spikes just starting to form. It is going to be a nice Neo season, I can tell. I grow them all mounted on cork in the intermediate vivarium, high humidity and fairly bright.

Neofinetia falcata 'Shunkyuden'Neofinetia falcata 'Shunkyuden'