Vanda (They are  Epiphytes)

Vandaceous (pronounced van-dace-ee-us) and their close cousins the ascocentrums include about 40 species of orchid from Asia China Taiwan Australasia Solomon Islands and the Phillipines.

Vanda orchids are actually quite easy to grow at home, as long as they get enough light and water. They thrive in a basket or on cork bark, where their roots are allowed to dangle. In fact, if you purchase a vanda  at any garden center, it will be in a basket or on cork bark. They do not like to be transplanted, so leave them in the container in which you purchased them.

Light and Temperature

 2,000-4,000 foot-candles-bright light with no direct sun. Leaves should be a light green color. Warm day temperatures between 75°-85°F (24-30 Celsius) and night temps not below 60°F (15 Celsius).

Watering and Feeding

 Vandas like plenty of water and should not dry out between waterings. Feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Grow 7-9-5 at the rate of 1/4 to 1/2 tsp./gal. with each watering. To promote flowering, feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Bloom 3-12-6 or Mag-Pro™ 2-15-4 at the same rates and frequencies beginning 4-5 weeks before flower spike initiation. Vandas enjoy regular misting with the same nutrient solution to help keep them moist and fed.

Suitable Vanda orchid care that includes sufficient amounts of feeding can make your orchid bloom more than once a year. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer (25-9-9) year round. For a normal strong fertilizer, one teaspoon a month will be enough. Ideally split up the dose and provide your orchid with several feedings instead of giving it all its food in one large serving. 

Humidity

 Vanda enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 70-80% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 85 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Light and Temperature

1000- 1500 foot-candles-bright filtered light with no direct sun. The leaves should be medium green in color. Maintain a cooler environment with good air circulation and day temps of 70°-75°F (21-24 Celsius) and nights around 50°F (10 Celsius).

Watering and Feeding

 Masdevallias should be kept moist at all times. Feed Dyna-Gro™, Liquid Grow 7-9-5 at the rate of 1/4 tsp./gal. with each watering.

To promote flowering, feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Bloom 3-12-6 or Mag-Pro™ 2-15-4 at the same rates and frequencies beginning 4-5 weeks before flower spike initiation.

 Humidity

 Masdevallia enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 50-60% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Repotting

 Masdevallias should be repotted when the medium has broken down. sphagnum moss, fine fir bark or Fine Dyna-Rok II should be used.

 Repotting

 Repot every two to three years from February to June with a well-draining medium. Fine bark is suitable in mild summer climates, while a finer medium Orchid Mix works well in warmer summer areas.