How to Grow and Care for Vanda Orchids, Plus Flower Language Meanings and a Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods
The Vanda orchid is not only elegant and beautiful in appearance, but also has tenacious vitality; even under harsh conditions, it can still give off fragrance, which is why it was chosen as the national flower of Singapore. Below, the editor will introduce the cultivation methods and flower language of the Vanda orchid for your reference.
Vanda originally comes from Sanskrit from the India region, meaning an orchid hanging on a tree; it is a very special orchid. It needs no soil and no growing medium of any kind to grow vigorously. It is an epiphytic orchid that relies only on aerial roots to absorb oxygen from the air. In the wild, it grows attached to tree trunks or rocks, which seems to go beyond our understanding of plants and makes people marvel.
Cultivation Methods for Vanda Orchids
Vanda orchids require more fertilizer than other tropical orchids, so during the period of vigorous growth, a diluted fertilizer can be applied once every 7-10 days. The best fertilizer has a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio of 10:10:5. Because Vanda roots are aerial roots, any well-draining medium can be used, such as tree fern fiber, crushed brick, charcoal, coarse gravel, and so on; whether used alone or mixed together, they all make good potting media. In addition to the medium, the pot itself must also be quite carefully chosen; among pots of various materials, wooden slatted baskets and ceramic pots are preferred, and drilling a few more holes in the pot is even better for drainage and air circulation. Apart from wooden slatted baskets and ceramic pots, Vanda orchids can also grow well on tree fern boards or tree trunks. Vanda orchids should not be repotted frequently; unless they are troubled by pests or diseases, they should be repotted only once every 3 years at minimum.
In spring, Vanda orchids are about to enter their vigorous growth period, making it a good time to repot. In Vanda orchids that have grown for many years, the root system clings tightly to the inner wall of the pot, so if a ceramic pot has been used for cultivation, it is best to break the pot before repotting to avoid damaging the roots when removing the plant.
Finally, no matter which cultivation method is used, remember that the potting medium must have very good drainage and aeration.
Vanda orchids can be propagated by tissue culture or by keikis. However, the former requires considerable specialized technique, so it is not suitable for doing at home. In late autumn, Vanda orchids produce keikis in the leaf axils; when the keikis grow to 5-7.5 cm, use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut the keikis from the mother plant, and plant them in a pot filled with tree fern fiber; they can later be transplanted to a larger pot. Remember that the cut surface must be coated with medicine to prevent infection by pathogens.
In addition, when a plant cultivated for many years grows to more than 1 m, you can cut off the top shoot, about 30-46 cm long, apply medicine to disinfect both cut surfaces, and then plant it in a pot, keeping it moist. Pest and disease control: tough leaves are the main reason Vanda orchids are not prone to pests and diseases; apart from snails and slugs, the common pests generally appear less often on robust Vanda plants. However, when water remains on the leaves for too long, or when the plant is infected by a virus, dark markings or patches often appear and gradually rot. If the condition is mild, the affected area can be cut away; if the rot covers too large an area, the entire orchid must be discarded to avoid infecting other orchid plants.
The Flower Language of Vanda Orchids
The flower language of the Vanda orchid: individuality, outstanding beauty and splendor, and immortality through the generations.
The Vanda orchid is clear and elegant in appearance, dignified and outstanding, yet also shows modesty, symbolizing the character of the people of Singapore. The Vanda orchid has a beautiful lip and five sepals; the lip spreads out in four directions, symbolizing the equality of Singapore's four major ethnic groups and its four languages: Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil.
The column in the center of the Vanda orchid flower, with male and female united in one body, symbolizes the root of happiness. The flower is supported by the opposing lobes below, symbolizing harmony, sharing hardships and honors together. Behind the lip of the Vanda flower there is a pouch-shaped spur containing sweet nectar, symbolizing a place where wealth flows together and gathers.
If you lift the pollen cap on the column of the Vanda orchid, inside there are two pollinia, like two "golden eyes," symbolizing foresight and vision. The stem of the Vanda orchid climbs upward, symbolizing upward development and prosperity. One of its flowers fades and another blooms, symbolizing the lifeblood of the nation of Singapore, flowing far and long, with endless confidence and hope.
Key Care Points for Vanda Orchids
A perennial evergreen epiphytic herbaceous plant. The flowers are large and rich in color, with a great many varieties. Those currently cultivated are all excellent hybrid varieties. They are usually grown in flowerpots or wooden boxes with many holes on all four sides, suspended in greenhouses; charcoal, crushed brick, and similar materials are used as the substrate. The roots require extremely good ventilation, and the plant likes high temperatures and humidity; the normal growth temperature is above 20 degrees C. It likes ample sunlight; in northern greenhouse cultivation, provide 30%-50% shade. Maintain relatively high air humidity. During the growing season, spray fertilizer on the leaves once every 1-2 weeks. Spray water on the plant 1-2 times daily.
Propagation: division, sterile sowing, and tissue culture.
Light: likes strong light, not tolerant of shade (ample light).
Water: grows in moist soil.
Temperature: not cold-tolerant; frost damage occurs below 0 degrees C.
Humidity: likes moisture; relative humidity above 60%, generally 70%-90%.