If you are a lover of orchids with rare appearances, chances are that you already have at least a few Vanda orchids in your collection. With their alluring, delightful, and refreshing fragrance and unique colors and appearances, these orchids can make any standard collection stand out and become quite remarkable.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Vanda, abbreviated in the horticultural trade as V., is a genus in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. There are 90 species, and the genus is commonly cultivated for the marketplace. This genus and its allies are considered to be among the most specifically adapted of all orchids within the Orchidaceae. The genus is highly prized in horticulture for its showy, fragrant, long-lasting, and intensely colorful flowers. Vanda species are widespread across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea, with a few species extending into Queensland and some of the islands of the western Pacific.
The generic name Vanda is derived from the Sanskrit (वन्दाका) name for the species Vanda roxburghii (a synonym of Vanda tessellata).
The genus has a monopodial growth habit with flat, typically broad, ovoid leaves (strap-leaves). Species with cylindrical (terete), fleshy leaves, which are adapted to dry periods were transferred to the genus Papilionanthe. The stems of these orchids vary considerably in size; some are miniature plants and some have a length of several meters. The plants can become quite massive in habitat and in cultivation, and epiphytic species possess very large, rambling aerial root systems. The roots have pneumatodes.
The few to many flattened flowers grow on a lateral inflorescence. Most show a yellow-brown color with brown markings, but they also appear in white, green, orange, red, and burgundy shades. The lip has a small spur. Vanda species usually bloom every few months and the flowers last for two to three weeks.
Vanda falcata has been reported to be pollinated by several hawkmoth species of the genus Theretra, namely Theretra japonica and Theretra nessus.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Vandas require bright light, but they generally don’t thrive in full sunlight. They can acclimate to full sun, though plants grown in those conditions are generally washed out and not as healthy as those grown under a shade cloth to take the edge off strong sunlight. Be aware of the species of vanda you have, as some require more sunlight than others.
Temperature and Humidity
Vandas prefer temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures, but prolonged exposure to cold can have a profound effect on a plant’s growth and flowering. Exposure to any temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause delayed flowering for up to a year.
Likewise, vandas require high humidity to thrive. They need a humidity level of at least 60 percent, and preferably around 80 percent. To raise the humidity, place your plant on a tray of gravel filled with water, and don’t let the roots sit directly in the water.
Watering
Vandas require a great deal of water. In periods of high temperatures, they might need to be watered twice a day. Water roughly once a week during winter dormancy. Keep the container’s medium consistently moist but not soggy during the growing season.
Soil
These orchids naturally grow in rocky areas with little to no soil. Their large roots meander through the air and grasp onto nearby trees and other objects. Growing them in a typical potting soil can kill the plants. Instead, opt for a basket that allows good airflow for the roots. To keep the plant in place, add bark, peat moss, or another soilless medium to the basket, such as a potting medium specifically made for orchids. Eventually, the roots will attach to the basket to hold the plant upright.
Fertilizing
Vandas are heavy feeders, and well-fed plants bloom better. Fertilize weekly with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer throughout the growing season. You can switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer on every third application to promote better blooms. During cool weather, cut back the fertilizer every two to four weeks.
Planting Instructions
Pruning
Propagation
Vanda orchids are only rarely propagated from seeds, as the seedlings are very delicate and the process can take a long time. Instead, these orchids are usually propagated from cuttings.
Vanda orchids develop small offshoots with leaves, usually found just above the main root structure. When one of these offshoots has two or three leaves and aerial roots, you are ready to propagate the cuttings. Follow these simple steps to propagate cuttings:
- When the offshoot is 2 to 3 inches long, use a sterilized garden cutting tool to carefully cut it away from the main stem—offshoot leaves and roots in one section.
- Replant the shoot in an orchid-growing mix. Be sure to use the right container with plenty of air circulation and drainage, such as a basket or clay pot.
- Keep it constantly moist as the roots anchor themselves in the growing medium.
- Water and feed the plant as you would an established plant.
Potting and Repotting
Vandas don’t need repotting often, maybe every two to three years as the plant outgrows the space, but the aerial roots don’t mind hanging out of the basket. If they need more space and you like to keep them contained, you can simply place the plant with its old basket into a new, larger basket. Work fresh growing media around the roots, but avoid disturbing the roots as much as possible, as this can seriously stress the plant. If you prefer to completely repot your orchid, take these steps:
- Choose a basket or clay pot that’s about 1 inch larger in diameter than the old container.
- Firmly and gently pull the plant by its base from the old container. If you are pulling your orchid from a clay pot, sometimes it helps to simply break the pot with the tap of a hammer and release the plant that way.
- Rinse the roots in clear, fresh water. Trim off any dead or rotted root matter.
- If you are using a clay pot, fill it about a third of the way up with pebbles for drainage. Baskets have better drainage so there’s no need for this step.
- Put the plant in its new container and spread out the roots.
- If you are using a basket, weave the roots through the basket slots and wire the stem base in place with plant wire. Use soilless growing media to further hold the plant in place.
- Add the soilless potting medium to either a basket or clay pot to further anchor the plant.
How to Encourage More Blooms
If you are fertilizing your plant enough, it’s old enough to flower but it still isn’t blooming there could be lighting problems and dehydration issues.
Move your vanda away from a super bright light to a spot with slightly more subdued light. Vandas love very bright light, but the timing of the light may be off.
Make sure the roots are healthy and hydrated. They should be plump, green, and not dried out. A dehydrated orchid won’t have enough energy to bloom. This may require more watering. Or, soak the roots in a bucket of fresh, room-temperature water for 15 minutes once a day.
Caring after It Blooms
After a vanda orchid flowers, cut off the spike completely using a disinfected cutting tool. The vanda may flower again in a few months if it is living in the right conditions. If so, you will see a vanda flower spike emerging from the central stem and poking out between the leaves.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Mealybugs will be the biggest problem with this orchid and you’ll have to search for them as they often hide inside the plant where the leaf and stem meet. Scales and aphids can also all be problems for vanda orchids. A carefully applied insecticidal soap or oil applied is the best remedy.
Common Problems
Vanda orchids are sensitive plants that can be plagued with problems if they don’t receive just the right amount of light and water. The most common cause of plant death is too much or too little water. Here are some signs of common problems with vanda orchids:
Shriveling Leaves
Vandas love their water, but overwatering will cause the plant to grow slowly and develop root rot, indicated by leaves that begin to shrivel. Under-watered plants will also result in shriveled leaves.
Disfigured Flowers
Overwatering a vanda orchid may cause the flowers to swell and develop blisters.
Sticky Substance on Buds and Leaves
You may think you have a pest infestation that’s producing “honeydew,” but this sticky substance on your buds is actually a natural sap the orchid produces. The sap may also drip onto the leaves and make them sticky. Simply dissolve the sap by misting the buds and leaves with water.
Leaves Turning Yellowish Green
Too much light is rare for these orchids, but if they get too much direct sun, vandas will turn yellowish-green or red.
Spindly Growth
Too little light causes the plant to produce deep green leaves, spindly growth, and weak flowers.
