Neofinetia - the orchid of the winds

The flowering of this graceful and delicate orchid, disheveled and swift, sweeps in a small whirlwind. The inflorescences constantly move, even when they seem to have frozen in one place, and with their aroma of jasmine they fascinate at any time of the day.
This wonderful plant was first mentioned in the 18th century, when the Neofinetia orchid was known by the Japanese name Fu-ran. In those days, this plant was considered a flower of rich people and grew only in their homes. There were those whose price was in the value of the house along with the garden, for this reason the flower was given a second name, meaning nobility and wealth - Fuki-ran. The scientific name was obtained thanks to the French botanist A. Finet, who specialized in plants of this family in the territories of Asian countries. Translated from Greek, "neo" means new.

Neofinetia: photo of a flower

Distinctive features:

In its natural habitat, neofinetia grows as an epiphytic plant, and sometimes as a lithophytic plant. She chooses semi-deciduous forests in the mountains of countries such as Japan, China and Korea. These outwardly fragile, miniature plants grow to no more than 15 centimeters in height. Their shoots are monopodial and on them leaves with a leathery surface are located in two rows. Under natural conditions, the plant blooms exclusively with snow-white small flowers 2 centimeters in diameter, their aroma is especially felt closer to night. Pollination occurs with the help of moths. In adult plants, dense clumps are formed in the rosettes. These beauties are resistant to cold weather, which is why they are popular with gardeners in temperate latitudes. Particularly popular is the type of neofinetia falcata, it is also called crescent. Thanks to the neofinetia of the falcata, multiple varieties and intergeneric, artificial hybrids were obtained, the flowers of which acquired shades of pink, pale yellow and cherry. Flowering can last from 1 to 2 months.

Neofinetia falcata: photo

Neofinetia: growing rules

You can grow a neofinetia orchid at home in pots, decorate a balcony with it and plant them in moss lined with stones or as a bonsai.

In the last two cases, this method is suitable for planting neofinetia in rooms with a high level of humidity; an ordinary living room is not often used for this. Most often, neofinetia is grown in clay or plastic pots, the important thing here is a drainage hole in a large container so that the liquid quickly drains off and the roots of the plant can breathe. These two things are especially important for the successful cultivation of this orchid species.

Pine bark is used for the soil in which the plant will grow, sphagnum moss or ordinary moss is also added there. Long staple moss is used for the classic growing method. It is considered the most suitable for gardeners who have considerable experience working with such plants. After all, you need to have the ability to wind moss on something to get a bump, and then set the flowers on it properly, so that the plant does not fall before it takes root. Sphagnum is used to fix the plant. With the help of it, a thin root system is wrapped and fixed after planting on the apical hummock. Next, the orchid is placed in a ceramic pot designed for these plants.

Experienced growers say that domestic sphagnum has some negative characteristics, namely, they speak of poor moisture capacity and uneven drying. Often, moss in some areas remains damp, while others need to be watered. When the roots come into contact with areas where moisture stagnates, rotting begins. It was also noticed that the life of the substrate is not long and after only a month and a half, the roots no longer receive the necessary ventilation.

It is interesting to know that using New Zealand and Chilean sphagnum moss would be the best option when planting neofinetia.

You can also prepare your own Neofinetia planting mix:

• In the first case, you will need sphagnum, perlite, fern roots, all this is mixed in a 3x1x1 ratio
• In the second case, pine bark, fern, perlite are suitable, everything is also mixed in a 3x1x1 ratio
• In the third case, you will need coniferous bark, crushed sphagnum moss and perlite in proportions 3x1x1

When planting neofinetia, it is important to position the plant so that it sits over the edge of the pot. The transplant is carried out in the last winter days, before new roots appear.

Neofinetia pots should be hanging, not standing on windowsills. Lattice stands or metal structures are a great solution. It is very important to provide the plant with enough light; it should not be grown in the north of the apartment.

Neofinetia in pots: photo of a flower

Neofinetia: home care

What care for neofinetics should be done? Neofinetia has a very vulnerable root system, therefore, when caring for the plant and watering it, you need to be careful and not harm it. In order to do everything right, you need to understand what processes occur in a plant at different times of the year and how it develops.

• in the period December-March, the plant is in vegetative dormancy;
• With the onset of March and until April, new growth begins;
• In the period from May to June, the plant builds up its vegetative mass and root system;
• Starting in July, a beautiful orchid begins to bloom;
• In the period August-October, development slows down and the laying of flower buds for the next season begins;
• In the period October-November, preparation for vegetative sleep takes place.

Neofinetia: photo of a flower

Illumination and temperature

Orchid Neofinetia prefers to grow in a well-lit place, especially for variegated forms and varieties. If there is not enough light in the room, then the variegated patterns will become dull and disappear.
To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to provide flowers with additional artificial lighting for the winter. Fluorescent lamps work well and should be at least 15 centimeters apart. Once the warmth comes in, the orchids are best placed outdoors. A terrace or balcony will be suitable, it is important that the direct rays of the midday sun do not touch the flower.

Neofinetia feels good at summer temperatures from +24 to +29 degrees, and in winter the thermometer should be from +15 to +18 degrees. I would like to note that flowers growing in their natural habitat are able to withstand temperatures up to +1 degrees.
When the plant has a period of active growth, temperature differences of 9-12 degrees between the day and night hours are permissible.

How to water and feed a plant

One of the important factors in caring for a plant is moisture, if watering is carried out correctly, then this will already be a great success in good care. During the waking period, the plant needs constant and abundant watering, it is not necessary to completely dry the soil, otherwise it can lose its roots. Nevertheless, drying is absolutely necessary, but this must be done until the roots are lightly greened, but the moss is still slightly damp.

Among some orchievods, there is an opinion that during the winter cold season, the flower should be allowed to dry completely and placed in a cold room, which will ensure more lush flowering. But most of the professionals consider this approach to be wrong. In their opinion, it is impossible to water the plant abundantly in winter, but it is necessary to spray the moss so that the roots are slightly moistened.
When watering, you can use distilled, rainwater or well water. Artificially softened water is not recommended for use. Tap water can be used, but before watering, it must be allowed to brew for several days.

It is necessary to feed the plants during watering, every second, diluting the fertilizers in water. Feeding is carried out during the waking period of the plant, in doses three times less than those indicated in the instructions. In winter, fertilizers are applied with a break of 30 days or not applied at all. The humidity level in the air should not be too high, the flower will be comfortable at 40%.
It will take time to find a middle ground in watering, because this can only be done by gaining experience, but everyone who wants to grow neofinetia in their home will have to do this.

Neofinetia: breeding methods in the house

Neofinetia: photo of a flower

Reproduction of neofinetia occurs through children, the formation of which occurs on an adult plant at its base. Separating new plants is best done when transplanting, but make sure that the roots have grown at least 4 centimeters and that the plant is strong enough to grow on its own.
After separation, the cut site must be treated with charcoal, it will protect the plant from possible diseases provoked by fungi and bacteria.

Seed propagation is not used when growing neofinetia at home, as this requires sterile conditions and specialized knowledge.

Possible problems:

Neofinetia can get sick with anthracnose leaves, a fungal disease that occurs with a sharp increase in the brightness of light, especially variegated forms suffer from this. To avoid this, you do not need to add light abruptly.

If not properly watered, the plant may develop fungal diseases and rot caused by bacteria. You can identify the disease by the brown spots that cover the leaves and stems. In order to cope with the disease, it is necessary to remove all damaged parts and treat with fungicidal preparations.

It is impossible to carry out a transplant during active development, as this will stop the growth of the flower. If the plant is deprived of moisture during this period, it will lead to stress for it and shedding of leaves.

If you do not provide the root system with good ventilation and water the plant abundantly, this will lead to the development of rot on the roots.

In Neofinetia you can find insects such as scale insects, worms, thrips, aphids and spider mites of all stripes.
With a minor lesion, you can cope with them with the help of soap foam, but if there are a lot of them, then it is necessary to use insecticides.

Neofinetia: variety of varieties

Neofinetia: photo of a flower

Until 1996, the monotypic, at that time, genus Neofinetia included only sickle-shaped nephinetia, but this year and after another 8 years, two more species were discovered that supplemented the genus. These two new species have been discovered in southwestern China.

Neofinetia falcata (sickle) - the height of this species reaches 12 centimeters. It has narrow, oblong thick-skinned leaves with a sharp tip, the length of which is 10 centimeters. They embrace the stem in two rows, the length of which does not exceed 6 centimeters. Flowers with a diameter of 5 centimeters, white, incredibly fragrant, with oblong side petals and a fleshy three-lobed lip in the amount of 3 or 5 pieces are collected in inflorescences. The spur is very clearly visible, the length of which is equal to the length of the flowering shoot.

The varieties of this type include:

Neofinetia Kinkabuto - The roots of this variety, like the trunk, are brown. The leaves are variegated, light yellow stripes are asymmetrically applied to the green background;

Fugaku - This flower is named after Mount Fuji. He is the owner of variegated leaves, painted in yellow and green completely different stripes. The petals of this flower are snow-white.

Neofinetia Houmeiden - brown trunk. The roots of the neofinetia houmeiden are colored first purple, and then they acquire a ruby ​​hue.

Neofinetia houmeiden: flower photo

Shutenno is the owner of snow-white flowers with a long clawed purple-violet color.

A special place among orchid growers is occupied by the Pungan species. He belongs to the Korean neofinetiy. The fact is that for centuries, the Japanese orchid was considered a noble plant, and grown in Korea, plastic and inanimate, unmatched by any comparison. In fact, this is a misconception, since you can find many varieties bred in Korea and which deserve no less attention. These varieties include, for example:

Seolak (Snow peak) - the leaves of this variety are short, whitish. With a decrease in the temperature regime, the leaves begin to acquire a pink tint due to the loss of the white segment;

Gogung (Forbidden City) - leaves are wide and wavy, at first they are yellow, and with age they begin to turn green;

Wanggeom (Wangom) - the name of this plant was given in honor of the first ruler of a united Korea. This flower has medium leaf sizes. Due to a change in the genetic composition in them, they look worn, as if they were subjected to mechanical damage;

Baekrang (White Wolf) - This variety is large in size, its leaves are yellow, and after some time, white stripes appear on them. The leaves are bent towards the top;

Byeokok (Jasper) - This Neofinetia is the owner of wide and short leaves and dark pink flowers.

Gojoseon - This variety has broad, short leaves. At a young age, they are painted in green stripes, which later become inky;

Samgaksan (Blooming Red Amaryllis Flower) - the owner of large flowers and three spurs;

Richardsiana - This species was introduced in 1996. It has a short stem, the height of which does not exceed one and a half centimeters, which is covered with oblong leaves 6 centimeters in length. The flowers, gathering in inflorescences, are pale pink and white at the base and do not emit any aroma, their diameter is 6 centimeters, they have a short spur of 1 centimeter.

Neofinetia xichangensis is the most recent species that has been described. The length of the stem is 2 centimeters, it is surrounded by rigid linear leaves, the length of which is about 5 centimeters in the amount of 7 pieces. 4 flowers are collected in odorless inflorescences. The diameter of the flowers is about 5 centimeters. Its petals and sepals are pink, and the oblong-ovoid lip is white. The spur cylindrical form is in a horizontal position and bent upwards. The length is about one and a half centimeters.

Outcome:

Fragile, tiny neofinetia has won the hearts of many orchid lovers regardless of their experience. It is not too difficult to take care of a plant adapted to home conditions, and in gratitude for the care and love, these beautiful flowers of amazing beauty will fill the house with their delicious and delicate aroma.