Vanda, growing in nature, looks harmoniously only in the conditions of the millennial tropics. The fact is that this plant has an outstanding size: the length of the root system – up to 200 cm, and the stem – up to 300 cm. Such a flower will not fit on any windowsill.
However, about 60 years ago, breeders decided to domesticate this charming tropical beauty by all means. Their hard work led to the birth of hybrids and varieties of vanda, which can be grown at home.
However, for a long time, indoor orchid vanda had the opportunity to buy only wealthy connoisseurs. Today it is much easier to buy such a spectacular plant, for example, in our orchid store Viva Orchids.
At the moment this giant tropical plant can be seen in many orchid lovers. But of course the indoor vanda is more modest in size than its wild counterparts.
Features of the vanda orchid
For the first time vanda was mentioned in his diary by one William Jones, who studied Asia. The record is dated 1795. The name Vanda was given to the plant by the locals. The name of this amazing and majestic orchid sounds like the rustling of the wings of a cute little bird, like the name of a lovely girl, like the wind in the vast ferns of a forest untouched by civilization.
This epiphyte is a representative of the Orchid family. In natural conditions, it is found in tropical latitudes in Indonesia, India, the Philippines, South China and Northern Australia. In total, more than 20 thousand species of vanda are described. In addition to the fact that this plant is incredibly beautiful, it has another distinctive feature – its powerful greenish-gray root system is covered with velamen. This is a layer of dead cells that is a decent thickness. Since the velamen has a porous structure, it is able to absorb moisture even from the air. Thanks to this, the root system has a reliable protection against sunburn and dehydration.
The stem height of the indoor vanda often exceeds 100 centimeters, which is why it is often cultivated as a cutting plant. The alternately arranged strap-shaped leaf plates are leathery to the touch and have a pale blue or green color. From the leaf axils grow erect or drooping pedicels, each of which forms 2-15 flowers. At the same time on the bush can grow from 1 to 4 pedicels.
Vanda orchid care at home
Growing conditions
Since the vanda orchid is a tropical plant, it requires special care and certain conditions when growing in room culture. There are several important rules of care for this plant:
In this evergreen epiphyte, the resting period is not pronounced.
Vanda is very capricious and has special requirements for growing conditions. Therefore, before buying a flower, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the rules of care for it.
This plant even near other orchids looks very unusual due to the long roots, which effectively dangle and tangle among themselves. That is why you should choose a place for the bush, where it will be comfortable and convenient.
Temperature regime
This plant is characterized by its heat-loving nature. The recommended air temperature throughout the year is about 77° F. Remember that if the room becomes colder than 68° F, it will lead to a sharp weakening of the immune system in the plant, as a result of which it can be easily affected by a variety of diseases. If the room is very hot, it will not harm the orchid.
Illumination
Vanda also stands out for its light-loving nature. It needs bright sunlight, but should be slightly shaded in the afternoon (11-15 hours). With scarce light, there is often a lack of flowering and weakened immunity. The length of the daylight hours should be at least 12 hours. For this reason, experts advise, if necessary, supplement the epiphyte with daylight lamps.
Air humidity
For normal growth and development of vanda, it should provide a constant high air humidity – from 70 to 90%. Regular moistening of the foliage from the sprayer is not able to provide the plant with optimal humidity. It should be taken into account that sudden changes in air humidity levels are more harmful to the plant than constant low humidity.
Spray the bush can be sprayed in the morning and afternoon, but not in the evening. The fact is that at this time of day the plant is actively breathing. The temperature of water, which is used to moisten the vanda, should be higher by 37,4 or 39,2° F room temperature. For watering, you need to use only warm water. Its temperature should exceed the room temperature by 39,2-42,8° F.
Placing
Best of all, vanda grows in specially created for this purpose greenhouses. If the plant is in a residential apartment, then it is cultivated without substrate at all, that is, the root system of the bush should be completely bare. The flower is fixed on the wall or placed in a wooden or plastic basket, which can be lattice or lace.
Watering
Watering such an orchid is recommended every day in the morning. During the day it has time to dry out well and will need to be watered again in the morning. In the summer months, the plant responds positively to daily baths of 20 minutes, they are carried out in the morning. Pay attention to the fact that during the procedure, the root system of the vanda should be well saturated with moisture. After about 20 minutes, the color of the roots should change to green. This indicates that the bush is “drunk”.
The darkest time of the year falls in the fall months. At this time, the daily watering of vanda is carried out only when the weather is sunny. If the weather is cloudy and the sun is not visible, then watering is done once every 2 or 3 days. Water for watering once every 3 months mixed with lemon juice (1 tsp. per 1 liter of water), this helps to neutralize carbonates, and the plant also receives vitamin C.
In Holland, vanda is grown in a special way. It is placed in a wide and voluminous vase made of glass. If the flower needs to be watered, warm water is simply poured into the vase. After the bubbles stop rising from the roots, which means that the root system has absorbed enough moisture, the rest of the liquid is drained off.
Ventilation
In order for the vanda orchid to grow and develop within the normal range, it needs to provide air circulation. To do this, it is recommended to install a fan near the bush, which should work almost constantly. Thanks to this, the root system will be protected from overheating by the rays of the sun, and it will also help to deter pests. Pay attention to the fact that the fan can cause a cold burn, but only if the room is excessively low air temperature or humidity.
Transplanting a vanda orchid
To grow such an epiphyte does not use a pot or even a substrate. This plant is not transplanted at all! As described above, it can be placed in a vase, in a basket or simply fixed on the wall.
However, some flower growers still plant vanda in the substrate. To do this, they take a low, but wide plastic raft, in the walls of which there should be holes. Through these holes thread a strong stick, carefully passing it between the root system, thanks to this bush will be more stable in the container. Then the root system is filled with substrate, which includes 2 parts of thick and large pieces of pine bark, as well as 1 part of moss-sphagnum. You can also pour a little charcoal into the substrate.
Vanda planting tray does not necessarily have to be transparent. The main thing is to provide the root system with a constant supply of fresh air, and it can do without sunlight. If it’s time to move the bush to a larger pot or urgently need to replace the substrate, start by well watering the orchid. Moisturized roots increase their elasticity and strength, and this also helps the old substrate to move away from their surface better.
The vanda orchid is grown for cuttings, it is used to create an unusual and mysterious atmosphere of a tropical forest, and it is used to decorate apartments. Every year breeders create new varieties of vanda, which are better adapted to room conditions. Despite its capricious nature, this plant is still very popular among orchid lovers.