Growing vandas? - Orchid Board

Kelo · #1 05-08-2011, 08:38 PM

I'm thinking of buying a vanda or two but I thought I would ask you all first about any pitfalls or tips you would suggest. Are there any specific problems with vandas? Do they grow in a similar way to phals?

Cheers peeps!

fishmommy · #2 05-08-2011, 09:12 PM

vandas, in general, need very high light levels

RosieC · #3 05-09-2011, 03:49 AM

I had one growing well and even re-blooming for about 11 months. Then it died suddenly.

I grew it in my brightest winter in cool weather and outdoors in warmer weather (with direct sun at some times of day). I grew it potted, which is less usual in some parts of the world but places like Burnham Nursery and David Stead Nursery sell them like that.

If you grow it potted then it's best to just dribble a small amount of water into the pot every day. I was only giving it a thorough flush with lots of water about once a month.

They need high light, and the roots need lots of moisture but also lots of air (which is why potted is unusual).

As I said, mine was doing great until it suddenly died over the winter this year. I think I had started keeping it too dark (I had moved it to enjoy the flowers and the weather was dark anyway) and possibly too wet and cold as well. I think in winter you really need to give them every bit of light you can (direct sunlight in the brightest window in the house) as they can struggle with the low light we get in the winter.

Kelo · #4 05-09-2011, 06:08 AM

OK, thank you for the info

Jennyfleur · #5 05-09-2011, 06:17 AM

You can get some pretty cool looking 'vanda vases' now for growing bare-root, which apparently help keep the humidity around the roots. However, since I'm not really interested in growing Vandas, I've never looked into them properly - it'd be interesting to see what vanda-growers on here think of them

orchidsamore · #6 05-09-2011, 07:10 AM

The main problem hobbyist have with Vanda are that they do not water enough. It is almost impossible to over water a Vanda.

Here in Florida they get water at least every day and 2-3 times a day in hot summer if it is not raining. Our summer rains normally rain 3-4 hours a day.

For best flowering they should be fertilized 1-3 times a week and the light level should be 40% to 75% of full sunlight. (4000 to 7500 foot candles which could be full sun in northern locations for much of the year.)

Given this treatment they grow like weeds.

vandagirl · #7 05-09-2011, 07:13 AM

As you can see on the photo I grow my Vanda's in vases, and they are doing fine. They are not in bloom any more, but they are groing new roots and leaves. I mist them every day. With warm weather even twice a day. Once a week I soak them and give them fertilizer. Only not in winter then they get every two weeks. And of course a lot of light. When the weather is good I put them oudside in the morning and evening sun. They all do fine. I have about 5 vandaceous orchids. Big ones and seedlings. so good luck.

tucker85 · #8 05-09-2011, 10:37 AM

Vandas like bright light, warm temperatures and high humidity. I think it would be difficult to grow them in your area. Martin Mote's new book on vandas says that it isn't practical to grow them in northern environments. If you're determined to try I would get an Ascocenda or Vascostylis. They are smaller and bloom more easily and often. Ascdn. Suksumran Sunlight or any of the Vascostylis are good choices. Just get one because my feeling is that you won't have much luck with them where you live. Sorry.

Kelo · #9 05-09-2011, 11:38 AM

Thank you very much to all of you for the information. I too was sceptical about having enough light here especially in winter. I am planning to get an LED lighting system to give all my plants enough quality of light in the winter. I think I'll wait until I get that system. Heat and humidity wont be a problem because the kitchen is only a few steps away and I'm in there almost every 15 minutes pottering around so I can change the levels of heat and humidity at once if they are too low. Ironically the sun had been shining in my town for 10 straight days - almost tropical! lol Thank you all again!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #10 05-09-2011, 03:37 PM

You might want to consider finding cooler growing Vanda species. They exist. You just have to find them.

They still like bright light. But at least you have the temperature issue solved.

The coolest growing Vanda is Vanda coerulescens (don't confuse it with Vanda coerulea, they're 2 separate species).

Vanda coerulea can also handle cooler temperatures.

Trudelia cristata and Trudelia pumila can take it cooler as well.