The cultivation of Fūkiran has a
long history, originating in Japan's Edo era, about 400 years ago.
Furan or wind orchid, the Japanese name for Neofinetia falcata, started to be called 'Fūki-ran', which means the orchid of the rich and noble people. Many years ago, only the rich and royalty could own Fūkiran, and they searched the country far and wide for rare and unusual varieties. These plants were often covered by a gold or silver net in order to protect them, and people had to cover their mouths with Kaishi (a thin paper usually used for calligraphy) in order not to breathe on the plants while they appreciated them. This, by the way, is the same way the Japanese appreciate a great sword. This was an important time for Fūkiran as they became established into the Japanese culture. After the Meiji restoration in 1868, the Japanese government brought in Western culture and people became fascinated with tropical orchids that were more colorful and gorgeous. Consequently, interest in Fūkiran declined until the early 1900's.
In 1920, the All Japanese Fūkiran Society was formed, where members would discuss and display their prized Fūkiran. Society members never gave up on their traditional plants. Small society meetings gave way to larger ones culminating with a large Fukiran exhibition in Osaka. Since this event, Fūkiran interest has been increasing both in Japan and abroad. It was through the continued efforts of senior society members that Fūkiran survive and thrive today, in spite of effects brought on by war and the march of time.
Compared to the time when most Fūkiran would bring the price of a house with a big garden, many new kinds have been found and their prices have come down dramatically because of reproduction from seedlings. This has made Fūkiran more familiar and available to the public. The popularity of Fūkiran has expanded around the world, including Korea, Europe, and most recently, the United States. This is because with their varied leaf forms, leaf colors, flowers and fragrance, they have a distinct fascination from other orchids. Fūkiran also provide years of enjoyment as the plant becomes more beautiful with each passing year.
Furan or wind orchid, the Japanese name for Neofinetia falcata, started to be called 'Fūki-ran', which means the orchid of the rich and noble people. Many years ago, only the rich and royalty could own Fūkiran, and they searched the country far and wide for rare and unusual varieties. These plants were often covered by a gold or silver net in order to protect them, and people had to cover their mouths with Kaishi (a thin paper usually used for calligraphy) in order not to breathe on the plants while they appreciated them. This, by the way, is the same way the Japanese appreciate a great sword. This was an important time for Fūkiran as they became established into the Japanese culture. After the Meiji restoration in 1868, the Japanese government brought in Western culture and people became fascinated with tropical orchids that were more colorful and gorgeous. Consequently, interest in Fūkiran declined until the early 1900's.
In 1920, the All Japanese Fūkiran Society was formed, where members would discuss and display their prized Fūkiran. Society members never gave up on their traditional plants. Small society meetings gave way to larger ones culminating with a large Fukiran exhibition in Osaka. Since this event, Fūkiran interest has been increasing both in Japan and abroad. It was through the continued efforts of senior society members that Fūkiran survive and thrive today, in spite of effects brought on by war and the march of time.
Compared to the time when most Fūkiran would bring the price of a house with a big garden, many new kinds have been found and their prices have come down dramatically because of reproduction from seedlings. This has made Fūkiran more familiar and available to the public. The popularity of Fūkiran has expanded around the world, including Korea, Europe, and most recently, the United States. This is because with their varied leaf forms, leaf colors, flowers and fragrance, they have a distinct fascination from other orchids. Fūkiran also provide years of enjoyment as the plant becomes more beautiful with each passing year.
