New Orchid owner for Vanda Orchid need lessons on care

[skeenski]

I live in Northern Utah and just brought home a beautiful Vanda orchid. Its roots are just in the air no dirt. I was told when I purchased it to dip it dailey in water and fertilize it 2 times a month with the same number fertilizer. To hang it in a lot of light. I assumed that was a south window.
Can you help me more so it doesn't die it is so beautiful 6 blossoms on it. \
Thanks tons Linda

[Junebug]

Vandas are thirsty chids and you can dunk them 2 or 3 times a day with no problem. Just make sure the roots dry out between watering sessions. When you water them the roots should change from white to green. The color change is an indication that the roots have absorbed enough water.

Lighting would depend on what type of Vanda you have. The strap leaf varieties can't take direct mid-day sun.

[skeenski]

It is a Kasem's Delight + Doctor Anek Is what is on the tag that is hooked to it. Thanks Linda

[skeenski]

To water do I just spray it with water or put it in a sink and let it set in water for a while? If sink how long do I let it set?

I don't want to kill this beautiful plant it is purple and I love it.

When we go on a trip how do you care for it then? Tough to take on a plane.

[skeenski]

The window that it hangs in front of is on the south but my eaves hang out 18 inches so it should not get direct sunlight in the summer in the winter it might but it is not so intense here in Utah. Unless the glass ups the temp and with new windows they are pretty insulated I would think.
Thanks for any and all of your help. Linda

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by skeenski

To water do I just spray it with water or put it in a sink and let it set in water for a while? If sink how long do I let it set?

I don't want to kill this beautiful plant it is purple and I love it.

When we go on a trip how do you care for it then? Tough to take on a plane.

You can water it either way. The thing you want to look for is the white to green color change. If the roots are long you could hang it in your shower to water and let it remain there until the roots dry (change back to white). The plant would benefit from the added humidity in the enclosed shower space.

Wrinkled leaves are an indication of dehydration.

I might be wrong but I think your Vanda is a strap leaf. I've been told that blue Vandas are more sensitive to sunlight. I have a V. Sansai Blue that grows well and blooms in dappled a.m. sunlight.

Deep green leaves indicate a need for more sunlight.



During brief vacations (a week or less) you could keep your vanda enclosed in the shower. Give it an extra long watering session just before leaving and drape some soaking wet towels over the curtain rod and towel bars. You could also put a large tub of water in there to evaporate and give off some humidity. Don't leave the roots soaking in the water, though.

or...you could have someone water it for you in your absence.