Download a care sheet
from the AOS
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Vandas are native to Southeast Asia. Most varieties prefer bright
light and warmth as well as a reasonable degree of humidity. These
plants are known for their large flower size and vibrant colors.
WATER
Vandas are grown in teak baskets or in pots. For most household
conditions, pots are best because they hold more moisture around
the roots. Teak baskets are really best suited for high humidity
areas such as greenhouses, or growing chambers or outdoors where
they could be wetted or misted every day. Plants in pots should
be watered just as the medium dries out, approximately every 5-7
days for larger clay pots. It is best to use rain, distilled or
reverse osmosis water.
FERTILIZER
Vandas are heavy feeders and prefer fertilizer at full strength
every other watering. Feed with Grow More 20-10-20 at 1/2 tsp. per
gallon.
LIGHT
Most Vandas grow on treetops on ridges along rivers and prefer bright
light. When growing indoors a south window exposure is best. If
growing under lights, P.L. Lights high-pressure sodium or metal
halide fixtures provide adequate light to promote flowering 2 to
3 times per year provided the plant has reached a mature size. Vandas
can be grown outside in the summer (or all year long depending on
where you live) as long as the night temperatures are in the upper
50's (degrees Fahrenheit) or above. Grow under dappled sunlight
such as a shade tree or an evergreen. Gradually they can be exposed
to brighter light.
TEMPERATURE
Vandas require warm temperatures except for vanda coerulea and some
of its hybrids. Daytime temperatures in the 70's to 90's are ideal,
with night temperatures in the low to mid 60's.
HUMIDITY
Try to maintain 50% and above. If provided enough humidity, Vandas
can be grown without any potting medium whatsoever. Many times Vandas
will be shipped from overseas where they have been grown in high
humidity environments, therefore being grown bare root in the basket.
The ideal household does not provide enough humidity to keep Vandas
growing well in bare root condition. We recommend that you lightly
pack New Zealand sphagnum moss around the roots to provide moisture
to the roots.
FLOWERING
Vandas can flower at any time of year. The heaviest flowering season
is between spring and fall. Slightly cooler temperatures and bright
light initiate flower spikes. Keep the mix moist when the plant
initiates buds or starts flowering. If the top of the buds become
glued together with a clear, honey-like substance, try misting the
bulbs to dissolve this sugary secretion. They should open normally.
Vanda flowers are large with thick substance, and can bloom for
one to three months at a time.
REPOTTING
Vandas in teak baskets can remain as is for many years, developing
longer root systems as time goes on. Vandas in pots should be potted
in coarse charcoal or bark, as their roots require ample air. Repotting
should be done every 2 years or as the root system expands above
the pot. After repotting, keep the plant a bit on the dry side for
the first couple of weeks as this allows any cracked roots to heal.
Vandas prefer clay pots as they breathe better than plastic. If
your plant is growing in a teak basket and you can't keep it wet
enough, simply tuck the root system, teak basket and all, into a
new clay pot, and fill in with charcoal. |
