Name: Vanda falcata 'Shutenno'
Synonyms: Limodorum falcatum Thunb.; Aerides falcata (Thunb.) Hoppe; Neofinetia falcata (Thunb.) Hu; Holcoglossum falcatum (Thunb.) Garay & H.R.Sweet
Etymology: falcata = sickle-shaped — referring to the curved leaf shape; 'Shutenno' = Japanese for “king of the red devils” — referring to the distinctive reddish to purple coloration of the flower base and spur.
First description: The nominal form was described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1784. 'Shutenno' is a traditional, selected Japanese cultivated form (Fûran cultivar).
Origin / Distribution: Cultivar. The species is native to Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
Location / Habitat:
Dependent on cultivation. The underlying species grows epiphytically or lithophytically in bright, airy mountain forests and valleys from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters, in exposed subtropical conditions.
Description & Notes:
Vanda falcata 'Shutenno' (often still listed as Neofinetia falcata) is a highly prized, compact-growing miniature orchid with monopodial growth and V-shaped, folded deep green leaves. The outstanding feature of this traditional form is its elegant white flowers, which, unlike those of the species, have an intense ruby-red to purple tint on the flower stalks, at the flower base, and along the gracefully curved nectar spur. The root tips often also show an attractive reddish tinge. In the evening, the flowers emit an intense, sweet-spicy fragrance.
In cultivation, this variety requires plenty of light (bright to partially shaded, with no direct midday sun) and very good air circulation. In summer, it needs regular watering and warm to intermediate conditions. To induce flowering in spring, a strict, cooler (10–15 °C) and significantly drier dormant period in winter is essential. Ideally, it is grown mounted, in open baskets, or traditionally on an airy ball of moss.
In-vitro culture: You will receive a flask containing 4 young plants. The plants are generally already large enough to be removed from the flask. After opening, carefully remove all the nutrient medium from the roots with lukewarm water and plant the young plants in very fine, airy orchid substrate or loosely packed sphagnum. For the first few weeks, we recommend high humidity, warm to intermediate conditions, and bright but sheltered light with good air movement. Initially, keep the substrate evenly slightly moist; only after the young plants are well established should you gradually acclimate them to the more pronounced seasonal rhythm of mature Vanda falcata.
