Vanda and their related orchids have been cultivated for many decades and are now available in a large range of colours and flower sizes. Some do require heat in the Sydney Winter but a number of the newer hybrids have been bred for a more temperate climate.
The original and commonly seen vandas had large spectacular rounded flowers in dark blue/purple. Hybridisation has increased the flower colours available. Further crossing with the related genus Ascocentrum has further increased this colour range adding orange and yellow into the colour palette.
In their natural habitat they grow in moderate light and in a continually buoyant and humid atmosphere with good air movement. Some require a degree of protection in Australian winters. However, depending on parentage, others can be grown in a cooler climate with watering only on sunny mornings in Winter so the plant is dry by nightfall.
The plants are ‘epiphytic’ in nature and are commonly grown in very open ‘basket’ or ‘vanda’ pots. The growing medium can be bark, coco chips, perlite or any combination thereof provided drainage is good. The roots will commonly grow through and out of the pots which is the habit of the plant and not a problem. In nature they will ramble extensively over tree limbs and in leaf litter.
Regular feeding with any half strength fertiliser promotes strong growth and encourages flowering. They do not require feeding in the cooler months when they grow very little, if at all.
Plants are available through orchid societies or at specialist orchid nurseries. When beginning with these plants, start with a larger established plant. It may cost a little more but the chance of success is much greater.
The Eastern Suburbs Orchid Society has an orchid show on the third Monday of every month commencing at 7.00 pm at the Kensington Park Community Centre in Hall 1, 1 Day Ln, Kensington NSW 2033 from February to December. Visitors are always welcome.