Vanda orchid and its varieties, as well as home care features

If 10 years ago it was believed that vanda orchid Although it cannot be grown indoors, it is increasingly common in gardeners' homes these days. It is distinguished by luxurious flowers, approximately 10 cm in size, which are gathered in large clusters. The buds are most often blue, but many other colors are possible, depending on the variety. Another distinctive feature is the aerial roots, which can reach a meter in length even indoors.

Varieties

There are quite a few varieties. We have several dozen varieties of the regal orchid, as the Vanda is often called due to the large size of its flowers. Some species are found almost everywhere, while others are extremely rare. The most common varieties are:

1. Blue Vanda is one of the most common varieties. Its main distinguishing feature is its large blue or lavender flowers, borne on long stems up to half a meter long. A single cluster can produce up to 15 buds, which emit a pleasant fragrance.
2. The delicate Vanda blooms profusely and abundantly, with large flowers clustered in groups of 10–15. They most often open in the spring. The petals are primarily white with purple spots, giving the plant a unique appearance that draws the attention of connoisseurs.
3. The Great Vanda came to us from Malta. This variety is distinguished by its strong, tall stems and fleshy leaves. It blooms profusely and for a very long time. The small buds (about 5 cm) are yellow with a brown tint.
4. The Vanda crested is a very interesting variety. Its flowers are unusually shaped, with five thin petals. They are quite large. They are most often yellow, but varieties with red buds are also common. Another distinctive feature is the strong fragrance that permeates the entire room.
5. Tricolor – the plant grows up to 150 cm tall. It has large leaves up to 40 cm long, which grow in pairs. The buds are about 7 cm in diameter with a wavy surface. The petals are white or cream on one side and dotted with dark red spots on the other, giving the plant a unique appearance.
6. Vanda sanderiana is another variety with tall stems and fleshy leaves up to 40 cm long. The inflorescences are erect, located at the tips. Each plant typically contains about 10 white flowers with a soft pink border and a vibrant red-yellow lip. The flowers are large, reaching 15 cm in diameter.
7. Vanda Rothschildiana was created by crossing different varieties. Compared to others, it is a fairly compact variety with strap-shaped leaves. The flowers are typically no more than 5 cm in diameter with voluminous, light-blue petals. The entire surface is covered with light speckles.
8. The valerian Vanda has a branched, creeping stem that can grow over 2.5 meters in length. Numerous aerial roots emerge from it. The flower stalks typically bear 3 to 6 buds, each about 10 cm wide, with voluminous, large petals of white with pink or red hues.
9. Vanda Pratt grows up to 1 m tall and has thick, lanceolate leaves. Its main characteristic is that, under favorable conditions, it blooms several times a year. The flowers are lilac with a red tint and quite large.
10. Vanda Bowlesii has a robust stem about a meter tall and large leaves, with a well-developed aerial root system. This variety is often called Blue Vanda for the distinctive color of its petals, which also feature subtle light spots.

Each variety has its own distinctive characteristics in terms of size and color, but care is generally the same for most species, which is very convenient. It's best to look at photos of Vanda orchids online to choose the one you like best.

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How to create optimal conditions for growth and development

Growing and caring for this plant isn't the easiest, as it's very demanding. It's important to create and maintain the right microclimate. If you don't have the time to provide the proper conditions and care, it's best not to grow this plant, as it won't grow properly and will die within a short time.

Air characteristics and irrigation regime

The plants are finicky, as they are of tropical origin and can only develop normally under the following parameters:

1. The temperature should not fall below 25 degrees Celsius. Moreover, it should not fluctuate significantly during the day. Sudden changes will cause the plant to die or bloom very rarely.
2. The optimal humidity level is between 70 and 90 percent. The key is to avoid letting this level drop too much. It's best to use an automatic humidifier to maintain the desired humidity level at all times.
3. Watering can be done by generously spraying the roots or by using baths of water, into which the root part is dipped and kept until bubbles stop appearing on the surface.

Watering should only be done in the morning, allowing the plants to get rid of excess moisture before evening. Watering in the evening can stunt the orchid's growth, dramatically increasing the risk of various diseases. Typically, water daily during warmer months, and every 2-3 days in winter, when the plant enters dormancy.

Soil and lighting

There are two more important aspects of home care that shouldn't be overlooked. In our climate, it's difficult to provide optimal conditions for Vanda flowers to appear two or three times a year. Several important recommendations should be followed:

1. Daylight hours should be at least 12 hours, otherwise the plant will go dormant. In nature, Vanda has no dormant period. Therefore, supplemental lighting will ensure it blooms more than once a year. Furthermore, the buds will last for 1–2 months.
2. Use only special phytolamps that simulate sunlight. Adjust the time based on day length. It's best to place flowers on a south or west-facing surface, where natural light is most abundant.
3. You don't need soil for growing orchids. You can place them in wicker containers or special containers, preferably with extra holes for improved ventilation.
4. It's also acceptable to use a special substrate filled into the container. It should be changed periodically, usually every six months.

When choosing a container, consider the plant's size. When the root zone has grown significantly, it's best to upgrade to a larger container. If the orchid is growing in a potting medium, water it first—this makes it easy to remove the potting medium and replace it with new one.

Fertilizing and other important aspects

To ensure normal plant development and growth, it needs to be provided with the necessary nutrients. For this, you can use both specialized formulations and folk remedies:

1. Prepare a special orchid solution as directed and use it instead of regular watering. Do this at least once a month.
2. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to a liter of settled water and use the solution as a fertilizer. This will protect the orchid from disease and stimulate flower production. The optimal frequency is once every three months.
3. Soak banana peels in water and use the solution as a fertilizer about once a month.

To reduce stress on the plant, it's recommended to trim off any flower stalks that are starting to dry out. Damaged leaves can also be removed to prevent them from causing disease.

Diseases and pests

If you follow proper agricultural practices and maintain an optimal microclimate, the likelihood of orchid diseases or pests will be significantly reduced. However, problems can sometimes arise. In these cases, it's important to quickly identify the cause and treat the problem:

1. Pests that can attack flowers include thrips, aphids, mites, and scale insects. In this case, use any insecticide designed for houseplants.
2. Fusarium wilt is the most common affliction affecting orchids. It appears as dark spots on the roots and lower leaves, which then spread and cause the death of the affected parts. Causes include overwatering, low room temperatures, and insufficient lighting. It's best to cut off severely affected parts and spray the orchids with a Fundazol solution.
3. Bacterial rot also affects the lower parts. It occurs under similar conditions to fusarium, but has a different appearance. The surface becomes slimy and begins to rot, first in patches, then over a larger area. In these cases, Vanda should be sprayed with Fitosporin.

It's best to inspect your plants at least once a week. The sooner a disease or pest is detected, the easier it is to deal with the problem. As a preventative measure, you can occasionally use a weak solution of potassium permanganate when watering.

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How to propagate

There are only two propagation options, each with its own unique characteristics. The method you choose should be based on the size and condition of the plants. Follow these simple recommendations from experienced gardeners:

1. If aerial roots have formed at the top of the plant, the easiest way to propagate is by cuttings. To do this, cut off the desired part and thoroughly treat the cuts with crushed activated charcoal or brilliant green. Plant the cutting in a container with substrate and place it in a warm, humid place, protected from direct sunlight. Do not water, but only mist generously until roots appear and the top part begins to grow. Afterward, care for it as usual.
2. If side shoots (also known as "pups") appear, they can be used for propagation. Separate the young plant from the main plant only when it has developed roots and the top portion has grown to at least 5 cm. Repot it in a small container with potting soil and place it in a mini-greenhouse with humidity around 85% for about two weeks. Then gradually acclimate it to indoor conditions, and finally, repot it in a regular orchid container.

When working, be sure to disinfect tools and treat all cuts to prevent disease transmission to plants. For disinfection, use crushed charcoal, brilliant green, or ground cinnamon.

Frequently asked questions

Beginning gardeners often have questions that need to be answered:

1. Can I trim the roots? This is essential when they begin to dry out or rot. Cut to living tissue and treat the cut.
2. What happens if the temperature drops below 25 degrees? The plant will go dormant for the entire cold period.
3. Are watering irregularities dangerous? Yes. If there's not enough moisture, plants will dry out and bloom for a short time, while too much will lead to fungal growth or even death.

For Vanda to thrive, it needs the right conditions: temperature, lighting, and moisture. It's important to choose high-quality planting material and fertilize it regularly. To ensure it blooms several times a year, you'll need to use a special phytolamp in the fall and winter.