Dear Orchid Friends:

Vandas are sun loving orchids with prolific bloom spikes. They grow well outdoors, in a greenhouse or a sunny window. Vanda species are either strap leaves, teretes (cylindrical leaves) or semi-teretes.

LIGHT: Vandaceous orchids need strong light with some sun. Full morning sun is ideal but they also do well with late afternoon sun. Pool enclosures or beneath a tree are excellent locations to place your vandas. Strap leave vandas do not tolerate the Florida mid-day sun . Terete and semi-terete vandas do like full sun and need intense light. They will only flower well when outdoors in full sun. Use a window that faces south or east when growing strap leave vandas in the home.

WATER: Frequent watering is essential when growing. Water and mist heavily when the sun is bright. Vandas like high humidity and an abundance of water. Softening or wrinkling of the lower leaves indicates the plant is under watered, so increase your watering frequency when this occurs. Remember to water the aerial roots as well. During cooler weather you can reduce the watering frequency.

TEMPERATURE: Vandas like warm weather so they are the perfect plant for South Florida. Vandaceous orchids like day temperatures between 75-95 F and preferably not lower than 55 F at night. Higher temperatures are best for flowering. They can tolerate long, hot spells and short cold spells. Vandaceous orchids like high humidity. Good air movement is important during warm weather.

FERTILIZER: Vandas are heavy feeders and require large amounts of fertilizer. During the warm, growing season use a 20-20-20 fertilizer weekly. Outdoor plants may require a stronger concentration. During the winter, you can fertilize every 2 weeks. An occasional vitamin or bloom booster stimulates growth. Flush or water plants in between feedings to remove an accumulation of fertilizer salts. It is important to develop a regular feeding schedule.

POTTING: Slatted wooden baskets are preferred. Vandas do not have to be removed from baskets for repotting. Wet the plant thoroughly and then gently place the smaller basket into the larger basket. Gently pull the roots through the slats. Hang plants so roots hang freely. They can be maintained in slatted wooden baskets for years without repotting.

BLOOMS: Vandas can bloom several times a year if properly fertilized. Certain varieties bloom more frequently than others.

Until next time-

Vivi

I'd like to welcome the American Orchid Society to the Web.

Review my July 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Summer Survival.
Review my June 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchid Habitats.
Review my May 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Cattleyas.
Review my April 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchids Galore!.
Review my March 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating Vanilla.
Review my February 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating an Interest in Orchids.
Review my January 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article on Phaelonopsis Culture.
Review my December 1995 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article on Dendrobium Culture.

Vivi's Orchids World Orchid Conference Site Live from Rio de Janeiro

Vivi's Orchid Page

Enjoy colorful orchids with Vivi's Orchid Photos.

See my Orchid Menu page for tantalizing orchid gift baskets and orchid treats.

When you're ready to order orchids

Bemvindo Brasileiros!

Before you go, please sign Vivi's Orchids Guestbook.

Last updated July 30, 1996

Copyright © 1995, 1996 Vivian M. Dodge. All rights reserved.

Please send email with any comments or questions you may have. Thanks

All my pages created and maintained by Dodge Group Communications, Inc.