The Vanda orchid got its name from a Sanskrit word for orchids. Most Vanda orchids are either epiphytes or tree-dwellers. Some, for instance grow their roots to the bark of a tree. The Vanda family also counts some lithophytes or rock-dwelling orchids. In total, this genus counts over 70 variants of orchids with some hybrids.
When in bloom, the Vanda orchid turns usually yellow or orange. It originally comes from India and other Southeast Asian countries including Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. In 1847 the discovery of an unusual blue orchid by William Griffith created something resembling an orchid rush.
Many opportunists were drawn to search for more, risking its endangerment. Fortunately, with the successful creation of hybrid blue Vanda orchids, some of the concerns have faded. There are also purple and violet Vanda orchids.
The shape of the leaves brings Vanda orchids into two further divisions. There are the Vandas with broad strap leaves that do well in an interior setting. The terete leaf Vanda orchid does better in an outdoor setting. With their leaves being thin, almost pencil-like, they do not lose much water when it is hot.
A healthy Vanda orchid will show rapid stem growth. If its height becomes too precarious, you may need to consider providing it with support of some kind. As it is monopodial, all leaves grow from a single stem.
In order to grow optimally, the Vanda requires diurnal temperatures hovering around 75 and 85 Fahrenheit (24 and 29 degrees Celsius). To provide a perfect climate condition and mimic a natural cycle, you should seriously consider lowering the nocturnal temperature to around 65 and 75 Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius).
Many flower enthusiasts love the delicate beauty of a Vanda orchid. These beautiful plants can flower twice during the year. If you provide them with perfect conditions, a single bloom cycle can last as long as eight weeks. You have to provide your plant with a lot of light, but should avoid the strong sunlight at noon. You can always add UV lighting if the lighting at your place is not sufficient for the orchids.
A great measure of whether your orchid plant is getting too much or too little illumination, is the color of its leaves. If they are yellow, move the plant back in the shade for part of the day. Dark green on the other hand, betrays a set-up that offers too little light. From the Indian subcontinent, the Vanda orchid has emerged to be a popular choice for horticulturist and flower enthusiasts worldwide.
When in bloom, the Vanda orchid turns usually yellow or orange. It originally comes from India and other Southeast Asian countries including Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. In 1847 the discovery of an unusual blue orchid by William Griffith created something resembling an orchid rush.
Many opportunists were drawn to search for more, risking its endangerment. Fortunately, with the successful creation of hybrid blue Vanda orchids, some of the concerns have faded. There are also purple and violet Vanda orchids.
The shape of the leaves brings Vanda orchids into two further divisions. There are the Vandas with broad strap leaves that do well in an interior setting. The terete leaf Vanda orchid does better in an outdoor setting. With their leaves being thin, almost pencil-like, they do not lose much water when it is hot.
A healthy Vanda orchid will show rapid stem growth. If its height becomes too precarious, you may need to consider providing it with support of some kind. As it is monopodial, all leaves grow from a single stem.
In order to grow optimally, the Vanda requires diurnal temperatures hovering around 75 and 85 Fahrenheit (24 and 29 degrees Celsius). To provide a perfect climate condition and mimic a natural cycle, you should seriously consider lowering the nocturnal temperature to around 65 and 75 Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius).
Many flower enthusiasts love the delicate beauty of a Vanda orchid. These beautiful plants can flower twice during the year. If you provide them with perfect conditions, a single bloom cycle can last as long as eight weeks. You have to provide your plant with a lot of light, but should avoid the strong sunlight at noon. You can always add UV lighting if the lighting at your place is not sufficient for the orchids.
A great measure of whether your orchid plant is getting too much or too little illumination, is the color of its leaves. If they are yellow, move the plant back in the shade for part of the day. Dark green on the other hand, betrays a set-up that offers too little light. From the Indian subcontinent, the Vanda orchid has emerged to be a popular choice for horticulturist and flower enthusiasts worldwide.
About the Author:
Alan Stables is a keen gardener, and one of his specialities is caring for orchids. Given optimum environment conditions depending on the various orchid types , the correct orchid food, and the right amount of sunlight and water, you too will be able to grow beautiful orchids in no time.