Vanda orchids are known for their flat petals and long, meandering roots.
Light
Vandas require bright light, but they generally don’t thrive in full sunlight.
Be aware of the species of vanda you have, as some require more sunlight than others.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
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.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Instead, opt for a basket that allows good airflow for the roots.
Eventually, the roots will attach to the basket to hold the plant upright.
Water
Vandas require a great deal ofwater.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
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.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Temperature and Humidity
Vandas prefer temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
Fertilizer
Vandas areheavy feeders, and well-fed plants bloom better.
Fertilize weekly with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer throughout the growing season.
you’re free to switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer on every third tool to promote better blooms.
During cool weather, cut back the fertilizer to every two to four weeks.
Instead, these orchids are usually propagated from cuttings.
A carefully appliedinsecticidal soapor oil applied is the best remedy.
How Long Do Vanda Orchids Bloom?
Healthy vandas reward their diligent owners with profuse blooms in vibrant colors throughout the year.
The flowers themselves will last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
What Do Vanda Orchids Look and Smell Like?
The flowers have flat petals with little speckles.
Vanda orchids have varying fragrances, from sweet to spicy or citrusy.
Vandas are monopodial orchids, meaning they grow from a single stem with roots emerging from the bottom.
The leaves are alternating, climbing the stem in a ladder-like progression.
Older vandas frequently branch, and if left undivided the plants can grow into very large specimens.
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.
verify 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.
The vanda may flower again in a few months if it is living in the right conditions.
The most common cause of plant death is too much or too little water.
Under-watered plants will also result in shriveled leaves.
Disfigured Flowers
Overwatering a vanda orchid may cause the flowers to swell and develop blisters.
The sap may also drip onto the leaves and make them sticky.
Simply dissolve the sap by misting the buds and leaves with water.
Vanda orchids can grow in pots, as well as baskets, with their roots exposed.
In winter and cloudy weather, drastically pull back on watering.
Vanda Orchid.New York Botanical Garden.
