How to Make a Vanda Orchid Bloom

Vandaceous orchids, or vandas, are some of the most interesting members of the Orchidaceae family and some of the pickiest when it comes to blooming. The three types of vandaceous orchids are strap-leaf, terete and semi-terete. They all have similar light and fertilizer requirements, but the teretes are more forgiving than the others, although not as showy as the strap-leaf types. Vandas take some special care, but providing the proper light and following a regular program of fertilization will have your vandas blooming in no time.

Coarse orchid bark or tree fern chunks
Slatted wooden orchid basket
Clay orchid pot
All-purpose fertilizer
Bloom booster fertilizer
Hand sprayer

Instructions

- 1
  Pot your vandaceous orchid in a hanging wooden slotted basket or a clay orchid pot. Stabilize the orchid with large chunks of orchid bark. Do not smother the roots because the orchid derives its water and nutrients through the exposed roots.
- 2
  Place your vanda in a spot with full morning sun, but not full afternoon sun. Vandas need more light than other orchid species to ensure blooms. Terete vandas bloom best in full sun.
- 3
  Fertilize weekly with 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer mixed at 1 tsp. per gallon during the growing season and every other week during the winter. Pour the fertilizer through the potting medium and spray onto the exposed roots, taking care not to spray the solution onto the leaves. Apply a 10-30-10 bloom booster liquid fertilizer every third application during the entire year. Flush the potting medium with clear water once a month to prevent salt buildup.

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