Took the plunge and got my first Vanda! - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #1 08-06-2011, 11:18 AM

I'm sooooo excited. I've been drooling over these for some time. I got the coerulea and it should be here mid to late next week.

So, since I'm completely new to Vanda's, any suggestions on this one for me? I did order a culture sheet from the Baker's website, orchidculture.com, but it has not come in yet and I am hungry for information in regards to this beauty!

Thanks in advance!

Vanda lover · #2 08-06-2011, 11:35 AM

You are going to love vandas! They don't get scale or spider mites nearly as easily as most other orchids.
There are a variety of ways to grow them, so it depends on how often you are willing to water it. I have mine in a basket with sphage and charcoal, so it only needs to be watered every 4th day or so in summer, and once a week in the winter.

tucker85 · #3 08-06-2011, 12:03 PM

I hope you enjoy your vanda. I've become a fan over the last year after growing mostly cattleyas for eight years. I particullarly like ascocendas and vascostylis because they are usually smaller plants and bloom more often than true vandas. They need bright light, good humidity and good air movement. If you can grow outdoors during the summer it may help. Here in Florida most people grow them bare root with no medium. But they are high maintenance that way. I water mine every morning during the summer and fertilize once a week with a weak fertilizer. If you belong to a local orchid society, find out what members grow vandas in your area and ask how they do it. Good luck.

mmursuli · #4 08-06-2011, 12:05 PM

Vandas are AWESOME! I have my first spike growing right now. Here is the thread I started when I first noticed the spike: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...xcitement.html

Anywho, I have mine in a hanging basket, bare root, and she loves it. The only drawback to having any orchid bare root is the watering needs--I water her every morning and fertilize weekly, WEAKLY.

pedidiva · #5 08-06-2011, 01:59 PM

I have one--potted in LECA. Water every 3-4 days in summer. i use a skewer to check moistness level. Water when it feels dry. I want to experiment with vase. See Vanda forum with thread title including vase.

pedidiva · #6 08-06-2011, 02:00 PM

Vandas in Glass Vases

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #7 08-06-2011, 02:23 PM

I grow mine potted in large grade bark. Does fine.

Vanda lover · #8 08-06-2011, 04:32 PM

I have 3 baby vascos in vase culture, and they seem to love it. You need to soak young plants every day, but perhaps when they have good root systems they will need it less. Some people only soak once or twice a week, and mist the rest of the time.

Paul Mc · #9 08-06-2011, 05:54 PM

I love the concept of the vase culture. I will have to post pictures once it's here so you guys can see it. I have no clue how mature it will be, but I did choose the one with the highest price tag (assuming that was in reference to age).

Vanda lover · #10 08-06-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

I love the concept of the vase culture. I will have to post pictures once it's here so you guys can see it. I have no clue how mature it will be, but I did choose the one with the highest price tag (assuming that was in reference to age).

I hope they send you a nice, mature vanda. Although vascos and ascos bloom more often, my vanda is on it's 3rd spike since Xmas. Some of them with the right care can bloom 3 to 4 times a year.
Vase culture does have many advantages, you can see the roots and you don't have to keep buying more media or pots. Vases are easy to come by at garage sales or dollar stores.