Vanda falcata ‘Seikai’ 青海
formerly Neofinetia falcata ‘Seikai’

Vanda falcata ‘Seikai’ 青海 is a highly collectible Japanese Fuukiran orchid prized for its miniature stature, unusual bean-shaped foliage and fragrant flowers.

‘Seikai’ is immediately recognizable by its very short, thick, dramatically curved leaves. This foliage type is traditionally known as mame-ba or bean leaf, and gives the plant a compact, sculptural appearance unlike typical forms of Vanda falcata.

Another prized characteristic is its wave-shaped tsuke, the traditional Japanese term describing the pattern where each leaf attaches to the central stem. ‘Seikai’ is specifically known for this distinctive wave-type attachment. 

When mature, ‘Seikai’ produces unusual pinkish-white fragrant flowers that tend to face upward rather than having the more conventional flower presentation of standard Vanda falcata. Specialist growers describe this as one of the classic and highly coveted forms of the species. 

Historically known as Neofinetia falcata, this species is now botanically placed within the genus Vanda, although collectors still commonly use the names Neofinetia, Neo, Fuukiran and Furan.

Plants are supplied mounted, as pictured.

Care

Light: Medium to bright filtered light. Avoid intense hot midday sun, particularly during summer.

Temperature: Very adaptable — cool to warm. ‘Seikai’ can tolerate warm summers but appreciates cooler autumn and winter conditions. Specialist growers list the cultivar as cool-to-warm growing. 

Water: Water thoroughly during active growth and allow the roots/moss to approach dryness between waterings. Mounted plants may require frequent watering during warm weather.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity with excellent air circulation.

Important: Because ‘Seikai’ grows very compactly, water can remain trapped between the closely packed leaves. Good airflow and allowing the crown to dry are particularly important to reduce the risk of rot.

Winter: Reduce watering somewhat as temperatures and growth slow, but do not allow prolonged severe dehydration.

Fertilizer: Fertilize lightly during active growth using a dilute balanced orchid fertilizer.

Mounting: Performs very well mounted or traditionally grown in an airy mound of sphagnum moss. Roots should receive plenty of air.

Growth Habit: Miniature monopodial epiphyte
Foliage Type: Bean leaf / mame-ba
Tsuke: Wave type
Flower Colour: Pinkish white
Fragrance: Fragrant
Temperature: Cool to warm
Species: Vanda falcata
Cultivar: ‘Seikai’ 青海
Traditional Name: Neofinetia falcata ‘Seikai’

Size: 1+ Growth points. Comes mounted.

Neofinetias prefer medium to low light levels, from 1500 – 2500 foot-candles. If you are growing under fluorescent lights, keep the plants about 8″ (20 cm) from the tubes. Under high-intensity lamps, grow approximately 4′ (1.2 m) from the fixture. This plant can be grown on windowsills, given a north, east, south, or west exposure. Plants may be grown outdoors in the summer with filtered sunlight.

TEMPERATURE

This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 110-33 degrees F. While some growers report leaving their fukiran out in freezing temperatures, I found that was destructive to many of my plants, so I do not suggest doing that. In summer, fukiran enjoy being grown outdoors when possible as that increases air circulation and temperature fluctuation.

- Please note, these plants are recent divisions and all offer are newly rooting

*Tracking number provided

Root Status: fresh young roots - division or recent import within last 90 days

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