Vanda

Vanda is an orchid genus in the Orchidaceae family.  It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. In its native habitat, Vanda can be found hanging from trees or from cracks in cliffs and other rocky locations.  It is considered epiphytic, that is not requiring soil to flourish, it grows in a variety of organic and inorganic material. 

It grows from bulbs which are thick and fleshy.  They store moisture and the energy needed for the plant to grow.  Its roots are aerial, they grow above ground and attach themselves for support to a variety of structures such as a trellis.  These roots also gather moisture from the air.  Water sparingly, as overwatering will lead to your plant rotting.  Your planting medium can contain a gritty soil or chunky bark that does not hold moisture.

There are three varieties of Vanda.  Each variety has different lighting requirements.  The strap-leaved variety has broad, flat leaves, while the terete variety has rounded, pencil shaped leaves.  Semi-terete is a hybrid of the other two and has a leaf shape that takes on the characteristics of the others.  Each variety requires heat and high lighting conditions.  Ideal growing conditions includes warm and humid location.  The warmer the temperature, the quicker the plant will grow.  

It is one of the most commonly grown genera of orchids in the horticulture trade because the flowers it produces are fragrant, showy, and long-lasting.  The roots are long and thick, growing progressively with time, sometimes reaching several feet in length.  The plant itself will usually grow between 6"-10", though there are species as small at 2" at mature height.

These plants grow best in bright, indirect light, ideally a south-facing window.  3,000 to 5,000 fc should be sufficient (full, direct sunlight is approximately 10,000 fc by comparison).  In warm climates, they enjoy being outdoors during the summer in dappled sunlight.  They require high humidity and may need multiple waterings in summer months.  Use a quick-draining, fast-drying medium such as inorganic soil medium, coarse potted bark, or an open basket with no soil at all.

Quick ID:

• Thick, woody, upright rhizome
• Linear, bi-fold leaves with leathery feel
• Thick, waxy. brightly colored flowers with large sepals and small lips

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Most of the diseases affecting Vanda are related to excess water being allowed to stay on the leaves and flowers or when poor drainage is present.  Among these are black rot, root, rhizome and pseudobulb rots, petal and southern blight.  

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.