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Mailing Address
East Everglades
Orchid Society
15220 SW 232 St.
Miami, FL 33170
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Vanda Culture
by David Schaffter
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 Vandaceous orchids and related genera, are mostly warm growing, and sun-loving orchids. Hybrids can bloom several times a year with many colorful flowers on each spike. Since they come from warm, humid environments, these orchids do quite well in South Florida. They can be grown indoors next to a sunny window, but they do best on a screened patio with lots of sunlight. In cooler climates, they are summered outdoors but taken inside during the winter.
 TEMPERATURE
High temperatures and humidity are best for fast growth and frequent flowering. Be careful not to burn plants with full sun. Minimum temperatures should be no lower than 50°F. Daytime temperatures of 75° to 95°F are ideal, but increase water, food, and air movement when very warm. Under cooler conditions, reduce water and fertilizer. It is important to keep cool, dry winds from your vandas.
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|  LIGHT
Strong light is important. Sunlight is essential for strong, healthy plants and blooms. Give your orchid as much sun as it can take, but protect from the full, midday summer sun, otherwise they might burn. Sunlight from a screened patio or an open canopy tree is ideal. In a greenhouse, 25% to 30% shade should be provided.
WATER
Give plenty of water, especially during the warm, sunny months. Water in the morning so plants can be dry by the evening. Do not let water stand in leaves overnight. Keep the humidity high by misting the roots. Recommended humidity is about 80%. If your orchid is indoors, set it on a tray of wet gravel to keep humidity high and constant. During the winter or cooler days, reduce watering but do not let them dry out.
 FERTILIZER
Potting medium offers little or no nutrients, so a regular fertilizing schedule must be followed. Feed orchids a balanced 20-20-20 every other week during warm weather. Reduce frequency to once a month during the winter. A bloom booster like 10-30-20 once a month will help give strong, frequent blooms.
 POTTING
Potting should be done in the springtime so plants have all summer to establish new roots. These orchids seem to do best in baskets. This allows for superior aeration and drainage, both very important for the vandas. When repotting plants in baskets, simply place orchid in larger basket. Soaking the roots in water makes them easier to bend and be pliable. If plants are potted, use a coarse medium of either bark, tree fern, charcoal, or rocks. As with all orchids, do not overpot.
The East Everglades Orchid Society thanks the American Orchid Society and the South Florida Orchid Society for making this information available to you. |
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