Vase for Vanda

[Movnhorses]

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is doing great!
I have a quick question. What is the best type of vase for vandas? Should it be a vase like a betta (fish) vase? I just ordered a Vanda Colmarie and a vasco viboon velvet and want to be ready for them when they get here. Should I leave a little bit of water in the vase? Do I have to worry about fungus or mold with it being in the vase in sun? Should I put spagnum moss around the top part of the roots and leave the ends to breathe? Thanks for any help!

[Leafmite]

I haven't tried vase culture so I can't help you with that but I have heard that this is a very successful way to grow them. I grow my vandas in plastic vanda baskets with lava rock. Good luck!

[Paul Mc]

You know, I haven't tried it but have considered it. However, you are in Florida and seems like lost people there opt for bare root in plastic pots, or at least a little CHC cushioning it. Are you sure you really need vase culture? What's your average humidity like there?

[Paul Mc]

Lots of people, not lost people, lol.... That's kinda funny!!!

[Bud]

The betafish vase is too round and short(maybe good if the Vandas are still seedlings just put a stick on the crown so it sits well on the mouth of the vase)....for longer plants, a cylindrical vase tall enough not to let the roots touch the water....weekly fertilizer and change the water inside the vase....some of the members from FL grow them in baskets outdoors and water the Vandas once a day....I guess the vase culture will work for you since you will water it only once a week.....
*note: do not put the plant direct sunlight=the glass will serve as a magnyfier and burn your plants....but if it is in a basket then by all means put it under the sun gradually....some Vandas may burn leaves on direct sun 11am to 3Pm....but my Mokaras have gradually been weaned to direct sunlight

[Paul Mc]

Bud is right and successfully grows them in case culture in NYC. If you only want to water once or twice a week, or if your humidity is low in winter, then vase culture may be the ticket for you.

[Movnhorses]

The area I live in we have pretty heavy humidity...especially in the summer. I will try the plastic basket and see how that goes.
Paul that was pretty funny. I love when I type mistakes like that.
Bud should I fertilize in the wintertime too or should I stop until spring and then start up again?

[Bud]

Vandas do not need rest....you feed them and water them constantly....in fact you must have a regimen of your own with your Vandas....this means you trust your instincts and observe how they do in your environment. These kind of orchids need warmth, humidity and bright light. Do not be afraid to give it fertilizer weekly weakly all year round even in winter.

[Movnhorses]

Thank you Bud. This is going to go in my notes!