Can I even grow Vandas in my environment..? - Orchid Board

Cookiemonster · #1 08-20-2007, 05:34 PM

Hello everyone,
Im new to these boards, just fell in love

with orchids a few weeks ago. I currently have just one orchid so far it is the most common one-moth orchid and its doing fine. Im looking into getting one of the gorgeous vandaceous orchids but I am worried as they are expensive and seem to demand a lot....

I live in Arizona, it is fairly hot but its about 70 something in my apt, its somewhat humid now 28%, but usually dry, a greenhouse is not an option- I would probably have to keep them indoors till the end of September till weather cools down.
I was considering about a humidifier and keeping it in the bathroom at night

When the weather cools down I could keep it in my balcony as it faces east and receives bright indirect sunlight all day long... what do you guys think-- and where should I order from,
Im looking at ORCHIDS.COM join us for orchids timeless beauty, passion and charm since they have a large variety...

sorry for the mad ramblings, Im just very confused

, thanks everyone!

flhiker · #2 08-20-2007, 09:32 PM

Hi Cookiemonster, Welcome to the board. I'm new to orchids too, but have read alot and listen to the comments here on the OB. What I have learned is orchids can adapt to alot of conditions. I think that during the hottest part of the year you should keep it in doors and because of the low humidity you have in Arizona I would pot it in a bark mix like Better-Gro orchid mix, so that the water will not evaporate so quickly, water often. Try not to allow water to puddle between the leaves it can cause crown rot. Vanda's like to be feed often as well, mix your orchid fertilizer at 1/4 strength and feed once a week. When the weather gets cooler you can move it out side. Again I'm very new so I hope someone with more experience jumps in and corrects any bad info I may have offered.

hope this helps and good luck

Oh as far as who to order from I would suggest any of the sponsor's here on the Orchid Board as I have found to be very professional

michael_exler · #3 08-20-2007, 10:09 PM

Ok Cookiemonster,
Here is my 2 cents.
I think you should find an orchid that you can meet the growing requirements more closly to.
The reason i say this is that many time people get orchids before determining the growing conditions needed to keep it healthy and end up killing it, only to discourage themselves from growing more.
It is true some orchids are very resilient too a wide degree of conditions, I dont find Vandas as being in that group.
They really need humidity to thrive, if not they will languish for a couple of years until they die.
Please, do some research and devise a growing area you feel confident that you can grow an orchid in and start with that.
not all orchids are touchy like Vandas are so look for something that catches your eye and check its needs, then go for it.
Good luck

cb977 · #4 08-20-2007, 11:27 PM

Great advice, Michael

Many folks buy an orchid because they love the way it looks...without much thought about what it will take from them to get it to thrive.

Always try to get an orchid that is meant to live in the same area you do. There is such a vast variety of orchids, you're sure to find something you love.

Maybe something in the Vandaceous family, smaller than a true vanda, would work well for you.

Check out Ascocentrum miniatum... IOSPE PHOTOS
Some more info on Ascocentrum... Ascocentrum | Orchids Online

Jeremy · #5 08-21-2007, 09:25 PM

Vandas require humidity to flourish. I dont have much experiece with large vandas (I cant grow them since winter is too dull, not enough light), but I do have experience with a vanda hybrid you may consider trying. The name is darwinara charm 'blue star' and it tolerates humidity as low as 40%. However I do know a way to create a humid microclimate for the large vandas. First, find an outer pot that is larger than the grow pot (ie. if grow pot is 6 in. then get an 8 in. outer pot). Then place the grow pot into the outer pot and fill in all the space between the pots with moist spagh. moss. And keep the spagh moss moist. It will create a small humid micro climate around the plant. In additon to creating a humid microclimate, you can also chose a nice decorative pot to match the flowers and show off the plant. Good luck with the vandas

telipogon · #6 08-24-2007, 01:42 PM

If you want to grow a Vanda but you don't have the humidity, consider placing it in a vase. This is how i grow all of my Vandas and I don't find them at all touchy. The roots hang into the vase and get all the humidity they need while the leaves sit on top of the vase and get all the fresh air they need. It works fabulously.

Cookiemonster · #7 08-24-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telipogon

If you want to grow a Vanda but you don't have the humidity, consider placing it in a vase. This is how i grow all of my Vandas and I don't find them at all touchy. The roots hang into the vase and get all the humidity they need while the leaves sit on top of the vase and get all the fresh air they need. It works fabulously.

Hello thanks for the advice, so you leave water in the vase at the bottom or what? let me know this sounds interesting, light will NEVER be an issue for me but humidity is... owell

you should show me pictures of your vandas I'd love to see em!

gmdiaz · #8 08-24-2007, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telipogon

If you want to grow a Vanda but you don't have the humidity, consider placing it in a vase. This is how i grow all of my Vandas and I don't find them at all touchy. The roots hang into the vase and get all the humidity they need while the leaves sit on top of the vase and get all the fresh air they need. It works fabulously.

Wow, that's an interesting idea! Could you show us a picture of your setup?

gmdiaz · #9 08-24-2007, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telipogon

If you want to grow a Vanda but you don't have the humidity, consider placing it in a vase. This is how i grow all of my Vandas and I don't find them at all touchy. The roots hang into the vase and get all the humidity they need while the leaves sit on top of the vase and get all the fresh air they need. It works fabulously.

Wow, that's an interesting idea! Could you show us a picture of your setup?

Charles · #10 08-25-2007, 11:52 PM

I would hate to see a vase big enough for some of mine.

I get hot and dry here sometimes for weeks. Try watering three or four times a day. If it can be done, you can grow vandas wherever it is warm. Try a timed misting or watering if you can't be there during the day. Large bark for medium. This will maintain a longer period for the plant to "drink" but still allow proper air flow and drying before nightfall.
50% shade for most of the day.