Papilionanthe vandarum questions

[Djarum Black]

Does anyone out there have a Papilionanthe vandarum? I need some advice on better practices of culture and growing for it.

I have one and it's doing nothing. It does not thrive, but it doesn’t die either (knock on wood) lol
I got it a while ago as what looks like a top cutting. It has 2 aerial roots and the blunt bottom "cut" end was packed into a pot of wet sprag.
I'm wondering, can I grow it like a vanda by itself or should I keep it in the pot with sprag?

I don't really understand what the moist sprag at the bottom provides other then maybe humidity? As the roots are nowhere near the bottom.
I'm also getting a little worried about it as I read somewhere it likes cool conditions, and it's been in the 90's lately where I have it growing.
It seems a little sulky the last couple weeks, I'm guessing it's because of the heat.

Anyone have this plant? I'd love your help!

[Djarum Black]

Bump, anyone...
Please

[Palito]

High humidity and high light yet very cool even cold temperatures. Not easy to achieve unless you live up in mountains or up north.

[cneos]

Aerides vandarum (syn: Papilionanthe vandarum) was in the Central New England Orchid Society display at the 2007 New Hampshire Orchid Show. The plant was awarded a CBR, but may not be published in AQ yet (the grower has a year to get taxonomic verification to confirm the award) I've attached a photo of the awarded plant and the provisional certificate. The growers, P&J Orchids, have many vandae types, but I think this one is grown on the cold/humid side. You can write them at JJusczak@aol.com for detailed culture.

[Djarum Black]

Thank you so much for the information and the email address! I will send them an email
Thank you for posting the photos!

[cneos]

We have Cleisostoma filiforme whose growth habit is very similar to the aerides / papilionanthe vandarum. You would never expect it to be in the vanda alliance. The leaves resemble a 'chain' of pencils, end-to-end. The plant is about four feet long, with several of these 'chains'. The entire root mass is entwined throughout and around a six inch long tree fern stake. We did wrap a little sphagnum around exposed roots, both to keep them cool and to hold in moisture. The tree fern really dries quickly!

Good luck with your vandarum! Glad I could help.

[Orchidaholic]

So Dj, is the vandarum still doing good? I have been searching everywhere for this plant. The Papilionanthe vandarum and Cleisostoma chantaburiense are near the top of my wishlist. Where did you purchase this plant from?

[cneos]

The Papilionanthe vandarum that was in the CNEOS display last year is doing well and we hope it will be at the New Hampshire Orchid Society show this weekend. The plant belongs to P&J Orchids ... you can e-mail John to see if he has these plants available for sale. JJusczak@aol.com

[Orchidaholic]

Thanks CNEOS, I sent him an e-mail to see if he has any for sale!