It is recommended that the Vanda orchid only be repotted every three years. The reason for this is because the plant dislikes disturbances, and may react by not flowering. It is normal for the aerial roots of Vanda orchids to extend outside their potting environment. Nature should be allowed to take its course, as their root systems tend to be quite expansive. Most Vanda orchids love a coarse potting medium such as fir bark. If, however, the potting medium has decayed and no longer drains properly or has developed green or snow mould, action should be taken instantly. As these conditions change the chemical environment of your orchid, it may be damaged or grow diseased if no intervention is undertaken. Alternative potting media can be lava rock, hardwood charcoal, broken pottery pieces, which tend to be more durable.
During its full growth phase, a Vanda orchid will need plenty of nutrition. This occurs between June and September. Since its preferred growing medium is bark, you will need to provide fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content, to accommodate for the portion that will be consumed by this. A regular strength fertilizer can be applied monthly, but your orchids may benefit from a split dose that is less concentrated, but given more frequently. From September to October, the plants will benefit from orchid food with a high potassium content. From November to June, less fertilizer is needed and once a month may be sufficient.
The plants will also require large quantities of water during active growth. In the northern hemisphere, this period extends from June to September. Take care to avoid over watering them, though. Epiphytes and Lithophytes are particularly vulnerable to this, as their roots are partially exposed and adapted to drying out periodically. If you water daily, do so early in the day, to allow roots to dry out by nightfall.
Vanda orchids are tropical plants and therefore a humidity level of about 80 percent is recommended for their environment. Within a greenhouse, it might be relatively simple to maintain this standard, but for orchids growing within your home, this may seem more difficult. Some orchid owners may make the mistake of over watering the orchid to compensate for an arid environment, but this could lead to the roots being damaged permanently. One solution would be to incorporate a humidifier. Another solution would be to place your Vanda orchid near a tray filled with a mixture of water and sand or pebbles. As the water evaporates from the tray, it can be topped up. You could acquire a humidity meter to monitor the levels yourself on a regular basis.
Other general needs include good air circulation and water drainage. Inspect your Vanda orchid regularly for snails, slugs or other types of insects.
Alan Stables is a keen gardener, and one of his specialities is caring for orchids. Given optimum environment conditions depending on the various orchid types, the correct orchid food, and the right amount of sunlight and water, you too will be able to grow beautiful orchids in no time.
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