Vanda and Ascocenda Culture
Vandas and Ascocendas are no more difficult to grow than other orchids, but they do have special cultural needs for best results. They come from the warm islands of the South Pacific, so they like bright light, warm temperatures, and lots of humidity. We are growing many of our vandas and ascocendas in cedar baskets with no potting medium other than the basket. We water vandas and ascocendas in cedar baskets thoroughly on most sunny mornings. They also like occasional misting of the foliage.
Since vandas grow and flower throughout the year, they don't have a rest period. They appreciate an application of water-soluble fertilizer mixed per package instructions and applied to the plant after every third watering. (Always water before fertilizing.)
As vandas outgrow their containers, they can be set in larger baskets without disturbing the roots. The size of the container is not critical to the growth of the plant, however, as many of the vanda roots hang in mid air.
Vandas are not particularly susceptible to pests or disease. If scale insects are detected, spraying or dipping the plant with an appropriate insecticide such as Orthene 75S powder (2 teaspoons per gallon of water) twice over a ten-day period should stop the problem. In the greenhouse, fungal spotting of the leaves may occur. A light application of fungicide will usually control the spotting.
If vandas are grown as houseplants, they appreciate spending the warmer months outside. They like bright light, but the leaves will burn if they go directly from indoor conditions to full sunlight. Vandas need less water in the fall and winter but may be watered most mornings in the summer, especially when grown outside under trees.
Vandas are very rewarding. The new hybrids are free blooming and usually flower several times a year. Blooms are long lasting on the plant but do not last well when cut.
Note: This guide is only applicable to Vandas and Ascocendas. For other varieties, please click on one of these links:
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