GENERAL INFORMATION
Vandas are native to Southeast Asia. In their natural habitat, Vanda plants hang from trees in virtually soilless substrates. It's important to mimic this condition as closely as possible when growing this orchid. Vanda care is simple, as long as you remember a few key points regarding this orchid's preferences. Once you've identified the right growing conditions, you can gain experience growing Vanda orchids and enjoy large, colorful blooms every few months.
The Vanda family is entirely epiphytic, meaning the plants cling to the bark of trees or to crevices in cliffs and rocky areas.
This means that their roots sink into relatively little soil, only the organic matter accumulated over time by the crack or fissure.
Most varieties prefer bright light and warmth, as well as a reasonable amount of humidity.
Vanda plants bloom several times a year with 2.5 to 10 cm flowers in a myriad of colors.
The plants range in size from miniatures to enormous flowers several meters tall.
LIGHT
Light is a crucial factor for the flowering of most Vandaceae.
There are two types of Vanda: flat-leaved and teretiform. The former has broader, flatter leaves, while the teretiform has round, pencil-shaped leaves. Teretiforms require full sun and grow best in bright climates. In a greenhouse, provide plants with about 25-35% shade, less in winter if it's cloudy. The leaves should be medium green, not dark green. In warm, bright climates, you can grow any type of Vanda outdoors (if it's warm) with partial shade for the striped and semi-teretiform types (especially midday in summer) or indoors (in colder weather) in a bright, south-facing window. In climates with cloudy winters, try Ascocentrum. Grow them outdoors in summer and in full sun indoors during winter. Be careful when acclimating the plants to avoid sunburn.
Vandas generally require bright light, but they don't thrive in full sun. They can acclimate to full sun, but these plants generally appear pale and unhealthy, as do those grown under a light shade cloth to reduce intense sunlight.
TEMPERATURE
Vandas require warm temperatures, with the exception of Vanda coerulea and some of its hybrids. A minimum nighttime temperature of 13°C is recommended. Optimal temperatures are between 15°C and 22°C at night and a maximum of 35°C during the day. Warmer temperatures lead to faster growth, which must be balanced with increased humidity, air movement, and increased watering and fertilizing. Days should be warm and humid for optimal plant growth.
The only real exception is Vanda coerulea, one of the few true blue orchids, which can tolerate cold temperatures better than many of its cousins.
IRRIGATION
Vandas are occasionally grown in plastic pots with sphagnum moss and orchid substrate, but this is far from ideal. Most growers prefer to grow Vandas in slatted baskets, where the roots are free to hang down. Plants grown this way require a lot of water. Water should be provided generously during growth, but the roots must dry out quickly.
During periods of high temperatures, Vandas may need to be watered twice a day. When watering a Vanda, first immerse the plant until the white or silvery roots change color, then wait a few minutes before re-watering. Generally, the plant should remain under water for no more than 8 minutes. Water sparingly in winter or cloudy weather. Severely dehydrated Vandas can be immersed in a bucket of water (simply submerging the entire plant) for a short time to rehydrate them.
HUMIDITY'
Aim to maintain a humidity level of 65% or higher. 80% is ideal. In tropical climates, this can be easily achieved. In a greenhouse, it's easier to achieve this using an evaporative cooler. This can also be achieved by placing a bed of gravel or pebbles directly under the roots and filling it with water. Make sure the roots don't reach the tray and that sunlight does the rest. Air circulation must be strong.
FLOWERING
Vandas bloom year-round, depending on growing conditions. Healthy, happy plants with plenty of light, warmth, and moisture will bloom at any time. Vandas bloom from spikes that emerge in a predictable pattern between the leaves. The flowering spikes have multiple flowers, depending on the plant, and the flowers will remain open for several weeks.
FERTILIZATIONS
Vandas are high-nutrient plants, and well-nourished plants flower best. During the growing season, fertilize weekly with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Plants grown in plastic pots can be fertilized with controlled-release pellet fertilizers in addition to liquid fertilizer. Fertilize only the roots or substrate.
Recommended fertilizers:
- Balanced growth fertilizer: 20-20-20 (NPK) – 1 gram per liter of water. Spray once every two weeks (14 days).
- High-phosphorus fertilizer for flowering: 0-52-34 (NPK) – 1 gram per liter of water. Spray every two weeks (14 days).
REPOTTING, SUBSTRATE AND PROPAGATION
Vandas are large, sturdy plants that quickly outgrow most pots. They thrive in situations where their large aerial roots can move freely through the air or cling to a substrate.
Large Vandas may not need to be repotted, as they will continue to grow over the edge of the basket. However, if necessary, repot every two years in spring. After repotting, keep the plant in a slightly dry place for the first two weeks to allow any cracked roots to heal. Vandas prefer terracotta pots because they breathe better than plastic.
If you notice your Vanda's roots turning brown or mushy, this indicates rot. Cut these diseased roots off the orchid, leaving only healthy, green or white roots. Alternatively, cut the dead roots at the base and repot the healthy top portion of the orchid in baskets or hang it up again.
“Vandas grow best in open baskets without substrate.”
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ALTERNATIVE CULTIVATION METHODS
If you're growing your Vanda orchid outdoors, you can tie the roots to a branch with cotton twine. This twine decomposes in about a year, the same amount of time it takes for orchids to permanently attach their roots to the tree. Another option, valid both indoors and outdoors, is to attach the roots to a sheet of cork and hang it on a wall, or simply hang the orchid on a wire hanger.
PARASITES AND PROBLEMS
Fungal and bacterial diseases of Vandas are common due to the high humidity levels they require to survive. Fungal agents cause problems such as root rot, leaf spots, and dieback.
