Vandas in Glass Vases

[philoserenus]

telipogon!! my goodness, i'd never thought i'd be able to find u here. i was reading on another forum which u were discussing about growing vandas in glass vases and it sounds sooo interesting, it gave me hope about trying to grow vandas and their alliance species.

does this method work with any epiphytes or mainly vandaceous orchids? does it matter much about the size of the vessel in proportion to the plant? and how does this method fair in the cooler temperatures? u mentioned that u just spray in the winter, does that mean u dun soak in the wintertime?

[Cookiemonster]

hey telipogon
thanks for the recommendations, I know I was bothering you to post pictures/ect of your set up so thanks again
I've decided to turn my somewhat small storage room with a fairly large east facing window into my new greenhouse or "whitehouse" I'll be getting a fan and a humidifier in there and just grow all my phals and future vanda alliance orchids !

I see what your saying with growing in the vase, so I just basically take my vanda plant with its plastic box and just keep it in at the top of the vase, must it be a tight fit or does there need to be room (air movement) how often do you water your vandas (other than the weekly soaking)
Any more info would be greatly appreciated
thanks so much

[Cookiemonster]

Also one more thing---
since you have SO many vandas haha

what do you recommend, as in the easiest to grow and the ones that bloom the most often for you, Im just getting started and dont want to purchase something beyond my ability and end up killing it and feeling horrible.

thanks buddy

[smartie2000]

thanks!
You are making me think that I can grow a Vanda too!

[telipogon]

Basically, if its blue its likely to be an easy bloomer so make sure you go for one with coerulea in the mix. Sansai blue or blue magic is a good one to grow. Also the Ascocendas bloom well as do the raft of Neo hybrids i have.

I know it sometimes sounds vague when i give watering frequencies but it boils down to the fact that i spray when i remember to do it, usually in the morning.

This method works very well for the vanda alliance but not for angraecoids which interests me, i gues they need the extra humidity. It also will not work for any species that forms pseudobulbs i suspect as they want too much water.

I don't usually soak in the winter unless plants are blooming. Water requirements are far less in winter and temperatures are generally lower.

For all you lot over in America, i will give you an idea of how far north i actually am. I'm on practically the same latitude as Moscow and Winipeg. I always thought vandas were grown a lot over the pond !

cookiemonster, you want the black plastic pot to rest in the neck of the vase so the plant in essence supports itself. If you use vases with a neck you can get some strong wire and actually wire the plant in place so it can't wobble around. The air will circulate easily. It is better to use a vase which is proportionate to the size of the plant.

[Buds!]

Hi telipogon,
Thank you for giving me hope to grow my first vanda! I have been looking at vandas for ages, but too scared to even attempt it!
Your growing method sounds exciting and easy!

[telipogon]

It works a treat for me ! Half of the difficulty of growing orchids is the cloud of bad information that surrounds them.

Something else that's blooming....

Ascocenda princess mikasa 'blue'



and 'old faithful' Sansai blue

[Cookiemonster]

Wow telipogon
those are so beautiful, I was considering getting the sansai blue but I was told that it blooms only once a year
I was recommended Vanda Manuvadee & Ascocenda Princess Mikasa Sapphire & Vanda Pakchong Blue for blueish-purple vandas

what about Sansai Blue- how often does that baby bloom for you?
Do you have any comparisons and such, thanks

[philoserenus]

well i've got my small Neofinetia falcata bare rooted into those round wine glasses for a test run. how would i know if it is working or not?

[Buds!]

That is another stunning vanda!
I'm off shopping....vanda & vase!
Thanks for sharing!