How to Grow Vanda Orchids

Vanda orchids have some of the most colorful blooms in the orchid family. From bright blue, to candy fuchsia and punchy purple, their crayon colored blooms are why they are some of the most coveted orchids. Of all the orchids, Vandas are some of the easiest orchids to grow. A mature Vanda orchid will grow two to three spikes of flowers if raised properly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vanda orchid
• Part shade/part sunny spot to hang the orchid
• Water
• Spray bottle for misting water
• Fertilizer

1. Find the right spot to hang your Vanda orchid. Make sure the spot you hang your orchid has dappled sunlight. Vandas can tolerate more sun than most orchids. In fact, if the orchid does not bloom, it may be an indication that it is not getting enough sun.

2. Water your Vanda everyday from June to September. This is the growing season and mimics the rainfall they would get in the tropics. The rest of the year, you can water every couple of days. Just make sure the Vanda does not dry out too much.

3. Fertilize your Vanda with a basic fertilizer for flowering plants every two weeks from June to September. The frequent watering will dilute this fertilizer.

4. From September to October, you should fertilize your Vanda with a high potash fertilizer.

5. Fertilize your Vanda once a month from November to June with a standard orchid fertilizer.

6. Re-pot your Vandas with care if it gets too large for the pot or crate. Disturbing the established roots can kill a Vanda. If the Vanda is growing in a wood crate, gently place the old crate into a larger wood crate. Make sure the roots hanging down are placed through the slats of the new crate.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a local landscaping supply company to ask if they have an orchid specialist. If you find any diseases on your orchid bloom or leaves, they will be able to help identify the problem.
• Growing Vandas indoors can be difficult. The air inside and be too dry. Misting your Vanda with a water spray bottle will prevent the orchid from drying out.

[calwesttropical]

on 10/23/2009 An easy way to re-pot your Vandas is to soak the roots in water for about 10-15 minutes. The roots will become soft enough to remove from one basket to another without breaking. Also, when fertilizing, you can use a water soluble fertilizer diluted to about 1/4 strength every time you water to keep them vigorous throughout the growing season and a bloom formula at about 1/3 strength during the blooming season. We carry the hanging baskets and water-soluble fertilizers on our website, www.CalwestTropical.com or you can call us toll free at [phone] and request a free catalog.