Vanda Orchids
For the warmest places, few orchids are as rewarding as vandas with their big, brilliantly colored flowers, sometimes in spectacular shades of blue, and often with a wonderful fragrance. Their big roots like to stick out everywhere in the air, and plants can grow very tall. For more restraint, look for the Ascocenda hybrids, which also bring bright red and orange colors and twice yearly bloom.
Light - Best in very high light in a hot southern window or outdoors in summer; the leaves should be grassy green (rather than dark green, which indicates lack of light).
Temperature - Day - warm to hot, 70s-90sF; Night - 60-70ยบ F nights. Blue types prefer it slightly cooler.
Watering - Provide lots of water by thorough drenching whenever the plant seems dry.
Feeding - Give a heavy application of soluble orchid fertilizer once a week
Potting Mix - Coarse orchid mix in open baskets; prefers to be undisturbed
Tips for Rebloom - Cut the stem in half when plant gets too tall, and repot the top with roots in another basket.
Don't forget: Vandas must be well-drained, so don't let them stand in water!
Written by Graham Rice