Vanda Orchids
Vanda Orchids have a Long Heritage
There are eighty different species of Vanda Orchids. They are all monopodial, meaning that they grow from the crown or tip of the plant. Some Vanda orchids are epiphytic--they grow up a tree but are not dependent on the tree for sustenance. They do nothing to nourish one another. Vandaceous orchids include the genera Vanda, Ascocentrum and Ascocenda (Vanda x Ascocentrum). These Vanda orchids are grown from India to the Northeastern part of Australia and north to China.
Vanda orchids were started by Sir W. Jones in 1795, and his orchid is named Vanda roxburghii. There are two separate types of Vandas--the strap-leaved variety like the Vanda Luzonica,and a terete-leafed (tubular) type, such as the Vanda teres. There is also a semi-terete variety. Strap-leaved Vandas have very flat and leathery leaves. Terete orchids have pencil-shape leaves that taper and are circular in transverse cross-section. Semi-terete leaves are pencil shaped and tapered but are not circular.
Vanda orchids need temperatures higher than 65-degrees during the day and not below 55-degrees at night. They love days that are sunny, hot and have a humidity level of around 80-percent. Strap-leaved Vanda orchids can be grown indoors in greenhouses. On the other hand, terete and semi-terete varieties are tropical sun lovers--they need warm temperatures and full sun. Very high humidity is critical to growing Vanda orchids. They should also be misted twice a day and dried off by night-time. In winter they require very little water.
Bark, charcoal and tree-fern chunks are the mixtures in which Vanda orchids like to potted. Wooden baskets are the number one choice for the plants, and should be made out of teakwood, redwood, or cedar. Some growers start the Vanda orchid plant in wooden baskets--three-inch for small ones, six-inch for medium, and eight-inch for full grown and mature plants.
Vanda orchids need to be positioned so that their long aerial roots can be free or they will spread and attach themselves to whatever is close-by. A hanging pot will be needed. Extra care also needs to be taken when transplanting so that the roots are not damaged. Often the best way is to put the entire smaller pot into the larger one. The best time for repotting is in the late spring. Vanda orchids grow very fast as long as they receive plenty of light, are watered frequently, and fertilized regularly.
Blooming can occur two to three times a year and one bloom can last as long as eight weeks if your plant is healthy and has been given good care. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, purple, blue, burgundy, green, yellow and orange. This large variety of colors is one of the reasons for the great popularity of Vanda orchids.