Winter (subtropical zone) watering of Vandas - Orchid Board

Amanvari · #1 07-22-2009, 05:31 AM

Our climate is subtropical and at the moment our Winter brings us temperatures as low as 11 Celsius (52 F). At least a few of my Vandas are blooming still. They are hanging outside on a timber fence and get full morning sun and shade in afternoom. However, my concern is that as cold fronts come through (has not occurred yet) the wind chill factor will be exacerbated by my daily watering (twice a day in summer). Recommendations will be appreciated.

Swamper · #2 07-22-2009, 10:56 AM

When the cold fronts do arrive then just water once a day. As you said cold and wet mixed with wind is or can be harmful if consistent. Its so hot here now I can't seem to remember the cold anymore.

mimigirl · #3 07-22-2009, 11:42 AM

I live in Southeast America, so we don't have a lot of really cold weather for extended time periods. about mid fall, my husband gets all of my plants together (except the trusty orchids which I bring inside, of which are not so trusty lately) and groups them under a plastic makeshift greenhouse (vented tarp enclosure) with a warm light. My orchids have never bloomed. some as old as 4-5 years. This year I think that I leave all of them under this "greenhouse" outside.

Swamper · #4 07-22-2009, 11:48 AM

Mimi, what type are they? 4-5 years and not bloomed, you have a lot more patience then I do. I would have fed them to the thrips and aphids by now LOL JK. What part of SE America do you live in exactly?

mimigirl · #5 07-22-2009, 12:04 PM

I am in New Orleans Louisana. They are different varieties. A dendrobium, an ocidium, Vanda, palph, more I know the name of, some I don't. Someone at an orchid show said try morning sun:someone said no sun, and one said put coffee on them. I've gotten so much different info, even from web sites, that I am ready to chuck it all.

Suresh Kalyanpur · #6 07-23-2009, 06:36 AM

Hi Amanvari,

Vandas grow typically in hot tropical countries like Thailand, malaysia, Singapore, India. They need a fair amount of sunlight and plenty of watering plus humidity. I water my vandas 365 days a year and even spray them a second time during the summer months.
From what you descsribe the weather you are expecting cold windy conditions. I would suggest yo bring the plants indoors and give them artificial light for a couple of hours. If you cannot move them in keep them in a place where they are sheltered from the cold wind. Under such conditions spraying them lightly once on alternate days might be sufficient. The good thing abou vandas (if you have them in hanging baskets) is that you can watch the roots turning white and decide when they need to be sprayed.

Best of luck.

Amanvari · #7 07-23-2009, 09:10 AM

Our weather is very warm to hot with high humidity for most of the year so Vandas do grow well here and I have spikes 3 times a year. Just, occasionally we have insurgent cold weather that I need to be ready for. I know that the exotic water loving palms that I grow (such as the lipstick palm cyrtotstachys renda) need reduced water during cold periods. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated

Swamper · #8 07-23-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanvari

Our weather is very warm to hot with high humidity for most of the year so Vandas do grow well here and I have spikes 3 times a year. Just, occasionally we have insurgent cold weather that I need to be ready for. I know that the exotic water loving palms that I grow (such as the lipstick palm cyrtotstachys renda) need reduced water during cold periods. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated

I wish I could grow a lipstick palm around here, but I have been scared off by how difficult they are to grow around here. I really want one or ten though. Do you have a picture of it?

Amanvari · #9 07-23-2009, 09:27 AM

No not at the moment (am not at home). The secret is absolute heat (for us a North facing and yourself a South aspect) which receives no wind at all. Keep it very moist - in summer mine stands in water. As weather cools water is much reduced. The specimens at the entrance to the Singapore Botanical Gardens are sublime

Swamper · #10 07-23-2009, 09:34 AM

so maybe if I put it on the south side of my house and keep it wet it could survive, do you recommend I keep it in pot in case of a cold front I can just bring it in?