Okay I promised that I would do a thread on these little wonders with some history and information. So I'm going to give as much info as I humanly can. All of this info is what I gathered from the web, and from where I bought my babies.
Here goes....
Neofinetia falcata or "wind orchid" are actually very easy go grow. These orchids are very hardy and can tolerate extreme temperatures even to as low as the upper 30's.
Light should be at medium levels ranging from 1500-3000 ft. candles, 6"-8" away from fluorescent lights, and 4 feet from high intesity bulbs. The plants can be grown both outdoors or even on a windowsill. East, south or western exposure preferred with filteration.
Humidity should be kept around 40%-60%. Water with clean water if at all possible. Flush the plant regularly if using tap or well water. DO NOT USE SOFTENED WATER !!! Let the plant dry out between waterings. Use plenty of water between active growth which is spring and summer and also while the plant is in flower. Reduce water intake when in dormant period, cooler winter days.
A balanced fertilizer can be used year round preferably urea free. If rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water is used, add a little tap or well water to supply the needed calcium and magnesium. Fertilize very lightly during the growing season and once a month during the rest period.
Neofinetias bloom usually spring through fall. The inflorescence can have from three to as many as 15 flowers. Most variations are white with a nectary spur, but there are also pink, green, cherry-red, and yellow colored forms, as well as different leaf variations and growth habits. The blooms typically last 1-2 months and are very fragrant both day and night. Fragrance ranges from citrus, floral, tropical, and bubble gum. Yes, BUBBLE GUM !
Repotting is usually done in the spring and early summer round about 2-3 years, containers being clay, plastic, net pots or wood baskets. Mix must be able to drain freely. Ideal medium is spaghnum moss only, or tree fern fiber only, spagh/tree fern mix, open bark mix, or osmunda fiber. Plants can also be mounted on cork, fern plaques, or on wood. If conditions are kept right some growers can even mount on rocks with live moss.
When I purchased my Neos, there was a lot of Japanese terminology that I had to take a crash course in for the meaning and type of orchid I was purchasing. This is the standard that the Japanese use on these orchids. Here is some terminology that will come in handy for those who may want to purchase one later on.
Ran = Orchid
Furan = Wind Orchid
Fukiran = Rich and Noble Orchid
Types of growth:
Bean Leaf= Leaves are thicker and plants have a shorter leaf span.
Contorted Growth= Leaves have a twist or contortion.
Ocean Wave= Leaves will have a slight twist, more so at apices.
Pine Needle Growth=Growths have more leaves and are generally smaller.More leaves per growth.
Princess Leaf= Slightly narrow green leaf.
Samurai Growth=Leaves with a strong, downward curve.
Fukurin Variegation= Marginal variegation, striping may be along the leaf edge, as well as the center of the leaf.
Tiger Striping= Translates as Tiger Uneveness. Markings are bands of color on the leaf. Some are distinct, while others blend.
This is where I even still get confused. Some of these orchids are still called Fu-ran(wind orchid). These are the orchids that are grown in certain parts of the regions of Japan, Korea and China. These orchids love moving air. Go figure.
Others are called Fu-kiran. For it was said only the rich and noble owned them. (In history, only the Shogun warriors and Emperor were allowed to possess these.) Now one of my orchids is a type of Fu-ran. The other one is a type of Fu-kiran.
I do know that it is more difficult to ascertain the pink colored Neos due to high demand. In price comparision, yellows were higher. Cost is calculated by growths and type of form. Prices range from $15 to as high as $3000.00, with the average being $30-$75.
You can google more information on Neofinetia falcatas. Here are a couple of sites where I got my information from. There's plenty more on these sites.
This is where I bought my orchids. Very awesome.
New World Orchids
More information on this site and can purchase a book that is strictly all about these plants. (All other books were in Japanese)
THE NEOFINETIA WEB 富貴蘭
Another site that has tidbit information and also sells Neos.
Orchids and Orchid Supplies
I hope that all of this information helps.
Happy growing!
Jenny