Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden'
IntermediateVanda falcata 'Fukiden'
A leading margined fukiran with a broad, deep variegated edge on medium-sized leaves. The variegated margin scorches easily, so it needs more care with light than plain varieties.
About
Fukiden is a leading fukurin (margined) cultivar among the fukiran, the cultivated forms of Vanda falcata (formerly Neofinetia falcata), an epiphytic orchid native to Japan. Fukurin means variegation along the leaf edge, and Fukiden, with a broad, deep margin on medium-sized leaves, is known as the representative margined variety. In fukiran, leaf shape, variegation pattern and the colour of the stem base and roots are the clues to identity, and Fukiden's deep margin is its central feature. Accounts of its discovery and naming differ between sources and are not settled. Variegation can vary between plants and shoots of the same cultivar, so check the margin on the plant or in photos when buying. The variegated edge has less chlorophyll and scorches more easily in strong light than plain varieties. As more fukiran are now selected from seedlings, buying a reliably named plant from a specialist is the safest course. It is sold in Japan by oriental orchid and fukiran specialists.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the parent species grows in Japan, Korea and China)
Lifespan
Perennial; individual leaves last four to five years, sometimes eight
Size
Medium-sized
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparing, very dilute liquid fertilizer while growing
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
The variegated margin has less chlorophyll and scorches easily, so give somewhat less light than plain varieties and shade reliably in summer; keep it bright in winter.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the sphagnum dries. Growth is very slow, with only two or three new leaves per stem each year.
Temperature & Overwintering
Native to warm parts of Japan, it is fairly tolerant of heat and cold, but protect it from frost and freezing in winter.
Soil & Repotting
The usual fukiran method is to mound sphagnum into a peak and set the plant on top, leaving the core of the moss hollow for air. Divide only once offsets are well grown.
Identifying the Cultivar
Fukiden has a broad, deep margin on medium-sized leaves. Variegation varies between plants and shoots, so check the plant or photos before buying.
Pests & Cautions
The parent species is native to Japan; choose propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden'?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow should I water and fertilize Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden'?
Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden': watering & fertilizer — Sparing, very dilute liquid fertilizer while growing. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden'?
The price of Neofinetia falcata 'Fukiden' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. Cultivars are covered by Appendix II as Vanda falcata (the exemption for artificially propagated Vanda hybrids does not apply to cultivars within a species). It is not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no match in the MAFF register). The parent species is listed as Vulnerable on the Ministry of the Environment Red List. It is native to Japan and is not designated as a Nationally Rare Species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (checked against the Ministry of the Environment list). Some prefectures restrict collecting wild plants by ordinance, so choose nursery-propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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