Learn How to Grow Vanda Orchids Indoors
There are about 80 species and many more hybrids and subspecies in the Vanda orchid genus. Like most orchids, they are almost always grown as houseplants.
Although it is possible to grow them in the garden in tropical climates (zones 10 and 11), the cultural needs are so demanding that it is rarely done.
Vandas are monopodial orchids, which means they grow from a single stem with roots emerging from the bottom. The leaves alternate, climbing the stem in a ladder-like progression.
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Older vandas often branch out and, if not divided, the plants can grow into very large specimens. Vanda's bloom in spikes that emerge from the central stem and protrude between the leaves.
Vanda orchid care
At the risk of sounding daunting, vandas are not a good option for newbies. Even among the most experienced growers, plants require certain elements that can be difficult to deliver at home: high humidity, high temperatures, bright light, and turbulent airflow, as well as periods of heavy "rain" followed by a dry period.
Additionally, these specimens can easily grow up to 5 or 6 feet long by including their curtain of aerial roots. For these reasons, vandas are best suited as greenhouse plants, where they can flourish under watering and sunlight.
The difference between a well-developed vanda and a poor one can be profound. Healthy Vandas rewards its diligent owners with abundant flowers in vibrant colors throughout the year.
But substandard vandas can lose their lower leaves until the stem is uncovered.
Light
Vandas require strong light, but generally do not thrive in bright sunlight. They can acclimate to full sun, although these plants are generally washed out and not as healthy as those grown under light shade cloth to soften the strong sun.
Be aware of the types of vanda you have, as some require more sunlight than others.
Soil
These orchids grow naturally in rocky areas with little soil. Its large roots meander through the air and cling to trees and other nearby objects. Growing them in a typical potting mix can kill the plants. Instead, opt for a basket that allows good airflow to the roots.
To keep the plant in place, add bark, peat, or another soilless medium to the basket. You can also use a pot made specifically for orchids. Eventually, the roots will stick to the basket to keep the plant upright.
Watering
Vandas require a lot of water. In fact, during periods of high temperatures, it may be necessary to water them twice a day.
Otherwise, you will probably need to water once a day, although it should decrease to about once a week during winter dormancy. During the growing season, the growing medium should always be moist but not soggy.
Temperature and humidity
Vandas prefer temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to cold can have a profound effect on a plant's growth and flowering.
Exposure to any temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can delay flowering for up to a year.
Similarly, vandas require a lot of moisture to thrive. They need a humidity level of at least 60% and preferably around 80%. To increase humidity, you can place your plant in a gravel tray filled with water, as long as the roots are not directly in the water.
Fertilizer
Vandas feed a lot and well-fed plants flourish best. Fertilize weekly with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer throughout the growing season. You can switch to a high phosphorus fertilizer every three applications to promote better blooms.
During cold weather, reduce the fertilizer every two to four weeks.
Vanda orchid propagation
Vanda orchids are rarely propagated from seed, as the seedlings are very delicate and the process can take a long time. Instead, these orchids are generally propagated from seedlings.
Vanda orchids develop small, bushy branches that are usually found just above the main root structure. When one of these branches has two or three leaves and aerial roots two to three inches long, carefully cut it off from the main stem (the branch leaves and roots in one section) and replant it in an orchid growing mix.
Keep it constantly moist as the roots anchor in the growing medium, then water and feed the plant like any other established plant.
We hope you enjoy this video about Vanda Orchid care for beginners:
Source: Blanca’s Orchid Garden
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Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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