Description
Vanda –
A genus made up of 30-50 evergreen, epiphytic, monopodial orchids found naturally occurring in scrub forest, at attitudes of 5,000’, from India to Southeast Asia and the Philippines and south to Australia. They have thick, simple stems, the tips of which bear 2 ranked, strap shaped to cylindrical, leathery, semi rigid, mid green leaves, often lobed or toothed at the tips. Aerial roots form on the lower part of the stems. The flowers, borne in axillary, occasionally terminal racemes, are often large, showy, and intricately colored on their sepals, with small lips, with a small spur and last for 2 or weeks. A range of richly colored hybrids and interesting markings and mottled flowers are available, including blue shades, rarely found in the Orchidaceae family.
Intermediate growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in epiphytic orchid potting mix in slatted baskets, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely, apply fertilizer at every third watering, and mist plants twice daily, all year, as they rarely take a winter rest.
Prone to leaf spots, petal blight, bacterial soft rot, viruses, spider mites, aphids, white flies, and mealy bugs.
