Vanda orchid is the most striking plant that offers a host of blooming colors. Its attractive appearance is very recognizable and easy to care for, especially for amateur growers.
Indeed, it only needs daily attention to thrive well and develop colorful flowers.
Growing the vanda plant or vanda flower, allows you to enjoy the beautiful blooms for several times in a year.
Thus, read on this guide on how to cultivate and care for the orchid in various media. There are also some potting tips that the species will love. Check them out!
Contents
What is Vanda Orchid?
The vandas are epiphytes that come natively from some regions in Asia. These orchids tend to grow on host plants, but they are not harmful.
Some species are lithophytic, so the varieties develop on rocks. Meanwhile, the other cultivars thrive on the ground as terrestrials.
Vanda orchids have different sizes. The smallest plants reach about four inches so that growers can hold them in their hands.
On the other hand, the biggest varieties can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. For the flowers, there are 15 blossoms in one twig with a 2-cm-tall blooming specimen.
These orchids bring a unique look, so their characteristics are distinguishable. They feature long roots with irregular spreading growth. Thus, the vandas can adhere to other plants.
Sometimes, a longer rooting system may reach 1.2 meters below the host tree. However, the vanda orchid cannot grow in charcoal, fir bark, and other conventional planting media.
Varied Types of Vanda Orchids
Vanda orchid is available in three kinds of varieties. Then, you might differentiate the characteristics of each cultivar from its distinctive leaves. The types consist of strap, terete, and semi-terete.
The strap is one type of vandas that has broad and flat leaves with a leathery look. This orchid prefers shielded areas, so keep it away from direct sunlight exposure.
Generally, the plant needs more intensive watering than other varieties.
Next is the terete orchid. Its leaves are typically in a cylindrical form that is tapering at both sides. They are also rigid and thin.
This variety withstands some sun exposure, so it is better to locate the plant in partial shade sites. Then, occasional watering is acceptable.
The last type is semi-terete. This hybrid variety combines the leaf shapes of both types. Also, the water requirement is between the terete and strap cultivars.
Vanda Orchid Varieties
The vandas have lots of pretty blooming cultivars. Some beautiful species are V. coerulea, V. sanderiana, and V. tessellata. Then, these varieties give different flowering colors.
Vanda coerulea or the blue orchid offers an attractive appearance. It features bluish-purple flowers that are long-lasting.
They keep blooming throughout the year-round. Then, V. sanderiana has a common name as waling-waling. It comes with beautiful white and pink blossoms.
Meanwhile, the tessellata cultivar features lattice-like blossoms. They have alternating patterns with different color shades. The flowers consist of yellow petals with white edges and brown stripes.
Tips on How to Grow Vanda Orchids
Greenhouses are the best place to cultivate vanda orchid since this plant needs specific requirements that are difficult to prepare at home.
Growing this variety should consider bright light, ferocious air flow, high temperature, and moisture.
Thus, the flowers will bloom under sun exposure and irrigation. Besides, the well-grown vandas can reach 2 meters long with the rambling aerial roots in these conditions.
Due to its specific elements, this orchid is ideal for experienced growers.
On the other hand, when growers cannot accomplish the vanda’s daily needs, they will only get substandard orchids.
Losing leaves occur without developing bountiful blooms in bright hues all year-round. The stem seems to be lack of a natural look as usual.
Sufficient Light
Generally, vanda orchid varieties cannot withstand in full direct sun exposure, although some species need more sunshine.
However, it does not mean that the species should be in a dark location. This plant prefers bright light to obtain healthy growth.
Soil Condition
The long roots wander around the air and snatch at the host plant or grow in rocky sites. Thus, the vanda orchid will develop well in areas with little soil requirement.
Instead of cultivating on the ground, using a basket is more efficient to flow the air to the rooting system.
How to Grow Vanda Orchids in Pots
Potting the vanda orchid with baskets is more acceptable than using regular containers. Firstly, you should attach the roots to be in place by interlacing them with wire.
After that, add some soilless media like peat moss or bark to hold the plant.
Then, if the orchid requires more space to develop, use a larger basket for repotting the plant with its old container inside the new one.
This way can prevent the roots from hanging out from the place. Next, you can give some planting media around them.
Last, display your potted vandas in hanging baskets. This way allows you to see the growing roots jut out and fall throughout the ground.
Growing Vanda Orchids on Trees
The vanda orchid that comes with its meandering roots can grow successfully on trees. Even an extra-large one, this mounting technique will help it to develop without causing any problems.
Before grasping on the host plant, attach the long stem to any hardwood like oak, cedar, or cypress.
Besides, you can move the hanging basket to mount on the tree. Do not be afraid of breaking and losing a few roots since it can stay healthy.
Then, hang the orchid down to get a unique style. Keep mounting the other vandas up as desired.
Make sure to twist the wire tightly into the stem to keep in place. If necessary, create some holes in the wood to tie the plant in a proper position.
You will see that the mounting orchid looks more attractive than the hanging basket.
After all, mounting the vanda orchid downward will let the roots grow up from all sides. Then, the upright blossoms develop from the stem.
This eye-catching display provides more planting areas for years.
A Smart Guide of Vanda Orchid Care
The vanda orchid that is famous for its extensive rooting system will thrive in humid and warm conditions.
Therefore, it is essential to know the proper maintenance to care for the species, especially if you grow it in pots.
The first tip is opting for the proper medium. Most orchids that belong to epiphytes fit well to osmunda.
This material is clean, simple, and easy to control. Importantly, it helps the vandas to develop flowers significantly.
Osmunda contains nutrients and fiber and lasts longer than other planting media. It also provides excellent air ventilation for the roots.
However, it is quite expensive for the first time. While in the long process, this medium seems to be more affordable.
The second is choosing the best planters. These varieties require any containers with lots of airflow drainage. The clay pots and baskets work best for the orchids.
Wooden media is perfect for hanging vandas above the ceiling. This way prevents the specimen from bacterial and fungal infections.
Meanwhile, clay pots protect the plants from cold and heat temperatures. Interestingly, these containers also give sufficient air circulation for the growing roots.
Various shapes and sizes are available to suit any varieties of your vanda orchid.
After choosing your favorite containers, do not forget to clean them before planting. It is to prevent the plants from any insects or bacteria that may damage the growth.
Initially, drench the pots in water for several minutes. Then, repotting can be safely done.
Next, giving sufficient air circulation and drainage is very important. Vanda orchid watering should not be too much, although this plant prefers a moist environment.
Choosing the pot with excellent drainage is a must. It will avoid killing the species.
The rooting system naturally takes up nutrients and humidity through the air. Therefore, the roots need proper air ventilation to thrive well.
If all requirements have been accomplished, the vanda orchid will grow happily.
Repotting to Support Vanda Orchid Roots
Repotting the vanda orchid is necessary if the plant has grown larger after several years.
Change the old pot with a new large container to support the extensive roots. Also, remember to utilize a new fresh growing medium.
If you are repotting the orchids at the wrong time, your vandas will delay their blooming session or stop perpetually.
Therefore, be patient to wait for the best moment to repotting. It is when the plant develops new growth or terminates flowering.
Additionally, keep your plants stay healthy and flourish by giving fertilizer. The best guide of how to fertilize vanda orchids should not overdo it. Generally, never feed them more than once every month.
Feed your vandas with some types of foods such as concentrates, manure water, or nutrient solution.
One thing to remember, no matter which kind of fertilizer you choose, ensure that to remove any residue from the previous monthly feeding session.
Likewise, when you apply the fertilizer, stay it away from the stems and young shoots. The substance can burn these parts of your vanda orchid.
Finally, even though you are a novice grower who wants to cultivate the vanda orchid, consider those daily requirements to achieve successful growth. Happy blooming with proper planting!