Vanda Dream Team

[ElleK7]

Hi, I'm Ellen. I'm an orchid newbie. I live in the Chicago area, in the suburbs. Anyways, I of coarse plan on visiting Natt's Orchids or Hausermann's again soon to get my first Vanda. I was just curious if people could suggest "easy" to grow Vandas or Vandas that bloom pretty frequently.

I do have a south facing window.

I currently have 2 Phalaenopsis which have been in bloom for almost two months now. A Rhynchodenia (Formerly Rhynchorides) Magic Wand which I bought bloomed, and 2 weeks in fell off. And a Lc Sagarik Wax "Chia Lin" which also the flower fell off in 2 weeks. I just moved the Rhynchodenia and Sagarik outside, and so far so good. I've been misting in the afternoon everyday before work. Both of them are in pots as well.


So Vanda dream team suggestions?

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[flexdc]

You know you need to treat Vandas like pets? They are usually potted in next to nothing and need daily watering.
I presume in winter it gets really cold in Chicagoland and you don't want to spend a fortune to keep your house tropical, I suggest you to choose a Vanda with Vanda coerulea in the back ground. Most blue tone Vandas have this specie in their backgrounds. They are the most cold tolerant Vanda out there. Also any Vanda that has been crossed with Neofinetia is also a good choice. They are called Vandofinetia or Vandofinides (which also has aerides in it). The crosses with Neofinetia have bonus of smaller statures, fragrance and cold tolerance. Or you might want to choose a straight Neofinetia (Samurai orchid). They are from southern Japan, very cold tolerant and since they are usually potted in sphagnum, you don't have to water them daily. You can get away with watering every 3 days.
Good luck.
Andrew

[tucker85]

I agree with Andrew that vandas are a challenge to grow up north and indoors. Buying from one of the vendors in your area is a big advantage because the plant will be acclimated to your climate and the vendor can tell you which ones easiest to grow in your area. Generally speaking ascocendas bloom more often than true vandas but there are some vandas (like Pachara Delight) that can bloom more than once a year. As Andrew said, I have heard that vanda alliance orchids that are yellow or orange do not tolerate the cold as well as blue or purple. Good luck.

[Bud]

Chicago is hot and humid in the summers....you can hang your Vandas outdoors under a shade....but in the bitter winter; you need a humidifier, heater and a small oscillating electric fan.
Andrew gave you the perfect Vanda plants for your grow zone.
I agree with tucker to buy the plant from growers in your area.
study the vase culture for it is perfect indoors care for vandas; but as I said in the summers its best to let it feel the heat and humidity
choose a weakly weekly fertilizer that will work for you
and if you happen to choose a plant: stick to its culture and care religiously

[ElleK7]

Originally Posted by flexdc

I suggest you to choose a Vanda with Vanda coerulea in the back ground. Most blue tone Vandas have this specie in their backgrounds. They are the most cold tolerant Vanda out there.
Andrew

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I was looking at blue or purple vandas anyways and all of them have Vanda coerulea in their backround.

Thanks again for the advice

[ElleK7]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I agree with Andrew that Generally speaking ascocendas bloom more often than true vandas but there are some vandas (like Pachara Delight) that can bloom more than once a year.

I haven't really researched that much on ascocendas, but I will now. Thanks!

[ElleK7]

Originally Posted by Bud

study the vase culture for it is perfect indoors care for vandas; but as I said in the summers its best to let it feel the heat and humidity

I'm thinking about doing the glass vase method, and leaving them outdoors until end of September or when it's too cold out. Soaking it for 30 minutes weekly(w/ Hausermann's weak fertilizer they gave me), mist daily.


Thanks again!

[ElleK7]

Quick question....

Is this anything? A spike or root?

Just noticed it today on my Magic Wand

[Gage]

I can't tell what the growth itself looks like, but spikes generally come from between the leaves where it is difficult to see, and spikes generally originate further up the plant from previous spikes, so I would say root.

[flexdc]

I see an old spike and a nub that looks like a new root.