First Bloom after 10 Year Wait

[VandaFan]

Congrats. I always like vanda sanderiana alba. To me, sanderiana deserves the name "Queen of Philippine Orchids" and the aba looks really really more beautiful than the other 2 types. Your flowers in the photo are gorgeous. For other viewers, believe me, the flowers look even better in real life because the photo just couldn't deliver the true beauty. I remember once, after seeing the real flowers in front of me, I just could not stop searching everyday until I found and bought the plant.
One question, with my sanderiana alba, the flowers that opened last (those near the top of the inflorescence) seemed to be smaller than those at the base (which opened first). I am not sure the reason. Could be that I stopped fertilizing when the flowers started to open. Yours seemed to have equal size. Any tips?

[Hawaiian Sunshine]

Originally Posted by VandaFan

Congrats. I always like vanda sanderiana alba. To me, sanderiana deserves the name "Queen of Philippine Orchids" and the aba looks really really more beautiful than the other 2 types. Your flowers in the photo are gorgeous. For other viewers, believe me, the flowers look even better in real life because the photo just couldn't deliver the true beauty. I remember once, after seeing the real flowers in front of me, I just could not stop searching everyday until I found and bought the plant.
One question, with my sanderiana alba, the flowers that opened last (those near the top of the inflorescence) seemed to be smaller than those at the base (which opened first). I am not sure the reason. Could be that I stopped fertilizing when the flowers started to open. Yours seemed to have equal size. Any tips?

Hi VandaFan. I agree with you that the alba really grabs your eye. Unfortunately, they are slow growers and susceptable to crown rot. I had one that won 'Best in Show' many years ago but I lost that one soon after the Show to crown rot. I'm hoping the one I have now will hang around for awhile longer. When the buds first open, the flowers are smaller but grow larger as they age. In my case, the younger flowers at the top eventually "grew" to the same size as the older flowers on the lower portion of the inflorescence. Maybe yours will do the same. I fertilize all my orchids including my vandas once per week. I'm currently using a Michigan State formula 13-3-15 at 1 teaspoon per gallon. Thanks for your comments.

[Sandy4453]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! especially on having survived the wait. Fantastic looking too!

[VandaFan]

Originally Posted by Hawaiian Sunshine

I fertilize all my orchids including my vandas once per week. I'm currently using a Michigan State formula 13-3-15 at 1 teaspoon per gallon. Thanks for your comments.

Thanks, Hawaiian Sunshine. Again, your flowers are lovely.

[snakecharma]

wow, very different. Beautiful.

I would have showed it the mulcher and said "if you don't bloom soon...." long before 10 years was up though

[huiray]

Very nice!

[iceicebaby]

Wow I suggest you throw a party to commomerate this bloom, much like a son/daughter getting married.
That was on a lighter side, congratulations

[Dene]

VandaFan, where did you get your Alba? I searched a long time - either nurseries didn't have any or weren't willing to ship to Canada. I finally got my in September!

[isdaojon]

Originally Posted by VandaFan

Congrats. I always like vanda sanderiana alba. To me, sanderiana deserves the name "Queen of Philippine Orchids" and the aba looks really really more beautiful than the other 2 types. Your flowers in the photo are gorgeous. For other viewers, believe me, the flowers look even better in real life because the photo just couldn't deliver the true beauty. I remember once, after seeing the real flowers in front of me, I just could not stop searching everyday until I found and bought the plant.
One question, with my sanderiana alba, the flowers that opened last (those near the top of the inflorescence) seemed to be smaller than those at the base (which opened first). I am not sure the reason. Could be that I stopped fertilizing when the flowers started to open. Yours seemed to have equal size. Any tips?

Originally Posted by Dene

VandaFan, where did you get your Alba? I searched a long time - either nurseries didn't have any or weren't willing to ship to Canada. I finally got my in September!

I see you both are from Canada so if you ever divide or propagate youre sanderiana 'alba' I would be extreamely happey to buy a plant!

[VandaFan]

Originally Posted by Dene

VandaFan, where did you get your Alba? I searched a long time - either nurseries didn't have any or weren't willing to ship to Canada. I finally got my in September!

I bought it from AM orchids, Florida. They still have it on the website

Orchid Species-Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, and more

It was not easy for me to bring it into Canada. We had it shipped to California at the time my wife had a chance to go there to visit a relative. She brought it home (Calgary) on her flight back. (She did declare on customs form she brought a plant with her). I had checked with Canada Customs in advance. They allowed passengers to bring plants BOUGHT ONLY FROM THE US without the required import permit and other paper.