Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo'
BeginnerVanda falcata 'Tamakongo'
A classic plain-leaved mame-ha (dwarf-leaf) fukiran cultivar of Vanda falcata. Short, broad leaves pack into a neat, compact plant, and it is one of the most widespread fukiran.
About
Tamakongo is one of the fukiran, the cultivars of Vanda falcata (formerly Neofinetia falcata), an epiphytic orchid native to Japan. Since the Edo period, fukiran growers have selected and named variations in leaf shape, variegation and the colour of the stem base and roots, prized as gei (points of interest), and the Japan Fukiran Society now lists about 250 registered cultivars. Tamakongo is a muji (plain, unvariegated) variety of the mame-ha (dwarf-leaf) type, admired for its small, broad, compact habit: where ordinary plants have long, slender leaves, its short leaves overlap alternately in a tidy fan. It is one of the most widespread fukiran and is often chosen as a first plant. Variegated sports sold under separate names, such as Tamakongo Moegi-fukurin, are different plants, so check the name when buying. As more good plants are now selected from seedlings, buying a named plant from a specialist fukiran dealer is the safest choice. It is widely available from fukiran specialists and online.
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
Small (dwarf-leaf type)
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparing, very dilute liquid fertilizer while growing
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Keep it in bright shade in summer and give good light in winter; in the wild it is shaded in summer and gets near-full sun in winter under bare deciduous trees.
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
Tamakongo is plain and dwarf-leaved, with short, broad, closely packed leaves. Variegated plants are sold under separate names such as Tamakongo Moegi-fukurin, so check both name and features when buying.
Pests & Cautions
The parent species is native to Japan; choose propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo'?
Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo': watering & fertilizer — Sparing, very dilute liquid fertilizer while growing. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo'?
The price of Neofinetia falcata 'Tamakongo' 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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