Vanda Orchid Species

Growing Environment in the Home

• In the home environment, Vanda orchids grow in baskets or cork bark so their roots can hang down. Hang the basket in a room in your home that receives full sun exposure such as a sunroom, the inside of a greenhouse or outside on a sunny patio or deck. Even though full sun is ideal, the light needs to be dispersed to prevent the foliage from burning. They prefer high temperatures during the day up to 98 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 59 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.

Watering

• Water the Vanda orchid daily during the growing season, especially during the months of June to September. Afterwards, keep the roots moist. Once the bloom time has ended, don't water them for a few weeks.They should dry out before watering. If you are growing the Vanda orchid inside, water it in the sink and let the basket drain completely before placing it back in its location in your home.

Feeding Schedule

• Feed the Vanda orchid with an orchid fertilizer that's high in nitrogen, such as 30-10-10, in the early spring. Beginning in June until September, feed every two weeks with half of the recommended amount stated on the orchid fertilizer's directions. In the beginning of fall until mid-October, feed with a general fertilizer that's high in potash at half the recommended amount. If the Vanda orchid is dormant during the winter months, do not feed it. However, if you choose to not let it go dormant during the winter, feed once a month until June with 1/4 of the recommended amount of the general fertilizer. Water well before each feeding and read the fertilizer's directions carefully before applying.

Repotting the Vanda Orchid

• Eventually the Vanda orchid will outgrow the basket or begin to look untidy with its roots cascading down, and will need to be moved to a larger basket. However, they do not like to be moved once they are established, and this task should be done every few years. Simply move the orchid to another basket that is larger, making sure it is secured to the base of the basket with wire so the orchid will not move around.