Vanda Orchid Care

Ideal Conditions:

• Vanda orchids need bright and intense light to thrive.
• Grow them in full sun if they’re acclimated, or provide filtered sunlight (e.g.,
  under a 50% shade cloth in greenhouses).
• Indoors, place them in a bright, south or west-facing window.

Signs of Light Issues:

• Light green leaves: Optimal light conditions.
• Dark green leaves: Insufficient light.
• Yellow or scorched leaves: Too much direct sunlight without acclimation.

Temperature:

• Daytime: 24–35°C (75–95°F).
• Nighttime: 16–21°C (60–70°F).
• Avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Humidity:

• Maintain 60–80% humidity.
• Use a humidifier, humidity tray, or grow them in a greenhouse for high
  humidity levels.

Air Circulation:

• Vandas require excellent air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially
  in humid environments.

Frequency:

• Vandas need daily watering in warm, dry climates or during the growing
  season.
• In cooler, more humid environments, water every 2–3 days.

Method:

• Bare-root Vandas: Soak the roots in water for 15–30 minutes, ensuring they
  turn green before removing.
• Potted or basket-grown Vandas: Water thoroughly, ensuring water flows
  through the medium.

Key Tip:

• Allow the roots to dry completely between waterings to avoid rot.

Bare-Root Growth:

• Many Vandas are grown bare-root in wooden or plastic baskets. This allows
  for maximum air circulation.
• Bare-root Vandas require more frequent watering and high humidity.

Mounted or Potted:

• If grown in a pot, use a coarse orchid mix (e.g., large bark chunks, charcoal,
  or coconut husk chips) to ensure drainage.
• Mounted Vandas need daily misting and frequent soaking.

Frequency:

• Fertilise 2-3 times a week during the growing season (spring and
  summer).
• Reduce fertilising to once a week during the dormant season
  (autumn and winter).

Type of Fertiliser:

• Use a balanced orchid fertiliser like ‘Growth Technology Orchid Myst’.
  (available to order via email).

Flushing:

• Monthly, flush the roots or potting medium with plain water to prevent
  salt buildup from fertilisers.

Bloom Cycle:

• Vanda orchids can bloom 2–4 times a year, with flowers lasting up to 7 weeks.

Encouraging Blooms:

• Provide intense light and consistent feeding.
• Ensure a slight temperature drop at night to promote blooming.

Post-Bloom Care:

• Cut spent flower spikes close to the base using sterilised scissors or pruners.

Root Care:

• Healthy Vanda roots are firm, green, or silvery-white when dry.
• Trim dead, black, or mushy roots with sterilised scissors or pruners during
  repotting or maintenance.

Leaf Care:

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust or residue.

Yellow Leaves:

• Possible causes: Overwatering, underwatering, or sudden changes in the
  environment.

Root Rot:

• Caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Trim affected roots and adjust
  watering.

No Blooms:

• Caused by insufficient light, inadequate fertilisation, or stress.

Pests:

• Mealybugs, scale, or spider mites: Use a plant-friendly pesticide regularly
  (available to order via email) and wipe leaves with neem oil.

Fungal/Bacterial Infections:

• Ensure proper air circulation and avoid water sitting in leaf axils.

Summer:

• Increase watering and ensure good air circulation.
• Protect from the scorching midday sun by providing partial shade if
  necessary.

Winter:

• Reduce watering frequency but maintain high humidity.
• Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Growing Outdoors:

• In tropical or subtropical climates, Vandas can be grown outdoors all year
  round, provided they’re protected from heavy rain and strong winds.

Indoor Growing:

• Provide supplemental grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

Companion Plants:

• Avoid placing Vandas near ethylene-emitting fruits (e.g., bananas) that can
  shorten flower life.

Root System:

• Vandas have thick, aerial roots that absorb moisture and nutrients
  from the air.

Growth Habit:

• Monopodial growth, meaning they grow upward from a single stem.

Flower Variety:

• Blooms are large, colourful, and fragrant in some species.