Vanda Orchids Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems with Solutions

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Vanda Orchids grows best in very bright light with some direct sunshine, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding in the growing season.

Vanda Orchids are among the most exotic and stunning orchid varieties. In this guide, we will cover Vanda Orchid care, propagation techniques, common growing problems, and their remedies to help you maintain a flourishing plant. Let's first delve into the characteristics of these orchids.

Vanda Orchids are popular Orchids on account of their showy, fragrant, long-lasting and intensely colorful flowers where numerous flowers grow on a lateral flower spike arising from the central stem.

Most Vanda Orchids flowers show a yellow-brown color with brown markings but they also appear in green, white, red, orange, purple, pink and burgundy shades. The lip has a small spur. These orchids bloom every few months and the flowers last for 2-3 weeks.

The growth in Vanda Orchids occurs from a single stem and the leaves are highly variable and adapted to their habitat. The stems vary considerably in size with some growing up to 20 feet tall.

Vanda orchids are monopodial orchids which do not have pseudobulbs but they have leathery, drought-resistant leaves. They have very large root systems which may require that they be grown in hanging baskets inorder to suspend the roots for adequate room.

These Orchids do not tolerate disturbance or damage to roots and it can result in the orchids failing to flower and declining in growth for a season or more.

Vanda orchids like Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchids are tolerant to drought conditions due to the presence of leathery, drought-resistant leaves therefore they do not require very frequent watering.

Botanical name: Vanda
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandeae
Subtribe: Aeridinae

Origin

Vanda is a genus that is widespread across East Asia, Southeast Asia and New Guinea. Most are epiphytes but some few are terrestrials. The genus name is abbreviated as V. in horticultural journals.

Toxicity

Vanda Orchids are non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow indoors.

Where to Buy

If you are looking to add this beauty to your collection, Vanda Orchids are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).

Vanda Orchid Care Indoors

How to care for Vanda Orchids indoors?

To care for Vanda Orchid give it very bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, average warmth of 21-29⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, orchids potting soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.

Vanda Orchid care requires regular pruning to keep them neat as well as encourage flowering. Repotting is needed only when they become pot-bound or the soil becomes completely broken down. Keep on reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Do Vanda Orchids need sun?

Vanda Orchid thrives in very bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to avoid sun scorching; brown leaf marks.

A Vanda Orchid that is receiving the right amount of light has light-green leaves. Dark-green leaves indicate that the orchid needs more light. Yellow leaves mean that the orchid is receiving too much light.

If the light is too little, the growth slows and flowering is reduced; position the orchid in a brighter spot or use grow lights where natural light is not adequate.

Pro tip: Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the orchid gets adequate light on all sides for uniform growth as well prevent lopsided growth.

Watering

How to water a hanging Vanda Orchid?

If you are growing the Vanda Orchid in a hanging basket, wait until the roots are white or silver then soak them until they turn color to green. Shake off or dry any water on the leaves before replacing your orchid to its usual spot.

How to water a potted Vanda Orchid?

If you are growing the orchid in a bark potting medium, water when roots turn silvery-white; usually when the soil feels dry to the touch. Maintain the soil consistently moist but not soggy to avoid yellowing and rotting.

Reduce watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Drooping or wrinkly leaves indicate that you are underwatering.

Pro tips:

• Water with tepid (lukewarm water) to avoid shocking the plant as it can result in reduced growth.


• Use chlorine-free water like rain water, filtered water or distilled water; these orchids are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water which can result in black, dry leaf tips.


• Avoid wetting the foliage during watering to minimize fungal diseases infestations.

Temperature and Humidity

Vanda Orchid blossoms in an average warmth of 21-29⁰C. Warmer days and cooler nights with a difference of 10-15⁰C are ideal for this orchid; cool nights are essential to trigger flowering.

Keep it away from drafts coming from AC units, heat sources, stoves, windy doors and windows among others to prevent flactuations in temperature as they cause reduced growth and browning of leaves.

Vanda Orchid flourishes in a humidity of 60-70%. Low humidity may lead to brown leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Pro tip: Do not mist the leaves and ensure that there is good air to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

What is the best fertilizer for Vanda Orchids?

Feed Vanda Orchids every week during the active growth season (spring and summer) with an orchid's fertilizer. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Withhold feeding in the cold season (fall and winter) to avoid fertilizer burn as growth is reduced at this time. Do not feed an orchid that is in flower as it can shorten the flowering period.

With orchids, it is better to err on the side of underfeeding than overfeeding as it may result in loss of roots thus death of the orchid. Overfeeding can also lead to vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.

Black, dry leaf tips are an indication of salt buildup in the soil. Every 1-2 months, flush out accumulated salts from the soil by running a steady stream of water through the soil until it drips through the drainage hole.

Potting Medium

The best potting medium for Vanda Orchid should be a rich, loose, free-draining bark soil. Avoid dense soil as it prevents air circulation and can lead to root rot. Most Orchid potting mixes are ideal for this plant.

Repotting

When to repot a Vanda Orchid?

Repot Vanda Orchid only when growth begins to suffer which is when the lower leaves begin to die. They bloom best when they are pot-bound. Basically repotting every 2 years should be adequate.

When new growth begins; shortly after blooming is over is the best time to repot. Do not repot an orchid that is in flower as it may shorten the flowering season.

How to repot a potted Vanda Orchid?

• Select a pot with proper drainage holes or slits as the roots of a Vanda Orchid need good air circulation. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one. Take a look at these ceramic orchid pots with a free slotted orchid pot liner on Amazon.


• Use a loose, free-draining, bark soil to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


• Clear all the soil from around the stems and roots and trim off any dried and shrivelled roots.


• Remove any dead and dying leaves from the bottom as they are breeding ground for pests and diseases.


• Cut away dead roots to create space for the growth of new roots.


• Water the orchid thoroughly and ensure that both the soil and the roots absorb all the water they need.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Vanda Orchid is easy:

• Remove dead and diseased leaves by cutting them at the base with a sharp pruning scissors or knife.
• When flowering is over, cut the flower stalk 1 inch above the 3rd node from the bottom.

Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean and also discourage pests and diseases infestations.

Pro tip: Use a sharp, sterilized pruning scissors or knife for clean cuts and to avoid cross-contamination.

Propagation

How do you multiply Vanda Orchids?

Vanda Orchid propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season (spring) from stem cuttings or from keikis.

1. How to propagate Vanda Orchids from keikis

Vanda Orchids naturally produce "baby" orchids called 'keiki' which normally appear on an old or new flower spike. Keikis are identical copies of the parent plant.

Keiki growth can be triggered by prolonged exposure to high temperature during the final phase of spike growth. Propagation feom keikis is the easiest and most effective method.

Propagating Vanda Orchid from keikis

1. Using sterilized scissors, detach the keiki from the mother when it is about one year old and has developed 2-3 leaves and 1-3 inches long roots.


2. Pot the keiki in fresh potting medium. Direct the roots of the keiki downwards and provide support for the keiki.


3. Place the set up in a well-lit place and mist the keiki regularly to maintain a humid enviroment.


4. Allow the new orchid to be well established before transplanting it after which you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Vanda Orchids from stem cuttings

Vanda Orchids produce aerial roots along the stem at the nodes. The stem can be cut between the nodes and used to propagate new plants. This method is best for large orchids.

Propagating Vanda Orchid from stem cuttings

1. Take a stem cutting from the tip of the orchid by cutting between the stem nodes.


2. Ensure the cutting has a healthy aerial root system and some leaves. Healthy Vanda Orchid aerial roots are white in color with green tips.


3. Allow the cut section to dry for 1-2 days to prevent rotting.


4. Apply a fungicide on the cuts to prevent fungal infestations.


5. Feed the mother orchid with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer to promote the growth of new shoots.


6. Pot the cutting in fresh orchid soil and place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


7. Water thoroughly until water comes through the drainage holes and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.


8. Allow the new orchid to be well established before moving it to its display position.

Vanda Orchid Problems & Remedies

Vanda Orchid problems include drooping leaves, yellow leaves, brown leaves, lack of blooms, brown-black leaf spots, black and dying leaf tips, dark-green leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Drooping leaves

Why are my Vanda Orchid losing leaves?

Drooping leaves on your Vanda Orchid are caused by underwatering, temperature stress, and hot sunshine.

How to fix it

Underwatering: Water when the roots become silvery-white. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts to avoid extreme temperatures.

Hot sunshine: Place the plant away from hot sunlight or use a light curtain to filter the light.

Yellow leaves

Why are my Vanda Orchid turning yellow?

Some of the causes of yellow leaves in your Vanda Orchid are overwatering, soggy soil, too much sunlight and nutrient deficiency.

How to fix it

Overwatering: Do not water on a schedule. Water only when the roots appear whitish.

Soggy soil: Use a bulky, orchid potting soil and a pot with adequate drainage holes or slits.

Too much sunlight: Filter excess sunlight by instaling a light curtain.

Nutrient deficiency: Apply a quality orchid's fertilizer in spring and summer.

Brown leaves

Why is my Vanda leaves turning brown?

Some of the causes of brown leaves in your Vanda Orchid are hot sunlight, underwatering, extreme temperatures, and fertilizer burn.

How to fix it

Hot sunlight: Keep the orchid away from hot sunshine or filter the light with a sheer curtain.

Underwatering: Water when the roots turn silvery white.

Extreme temperatures: Keep the orchid away from sources of drafts like windy doors, stoves, heat sources, air conditioning units among others.

Fertilizer burn: Avoid too much fertilizer and do not feed in fall and winter.

Lack of blooms

Why is my Vanda not blooming?

Your Vanda Orchid is not blooming due to too little light, overfeeding, lack of temperature variation and overpotting.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the orchid in a brighter spot or instal grow lights if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Overfeeding: Feed the orchid once weekly in the growing season (spring and summer) with an orchid's fertilizer.

Lack of temperature variation: Expose the orchid to cooler nights to trigger blooming; a difference of 10-15⁰C is needed.

Overpotting: Avoid too frequent repotting, repot into a pot one size larger only when growth begins to suffer.

Black and dying leaf tips

Black and dying leaf tips on Vanda Orchids are caused by dissolved chemicals (chlorine, flourides and others) in the water or buildup of salts in the soil.

How to fix it

Dissolved chemicals: Water with rain water, distilled water or filtered water only.

Salts buildup: Flush out accumulated salts from the soil every 1-2 months by running a stream of water through the soil until it drips through the drainage hole.

Brown-black leaf spots

Brown-black leaf spots on Vanda Orchids are an indication of a fungal disease. Remove the affected leaves immediately to prevent further spread and treat with neem oil or a fungicidal solution.

Mold on the leaves

Mold on Vanda leaves is an indication of powdery mildew which is enhanced by damp conditions. Do not mist the leaves and avoid wetting the leaves during watering. Maintain good air circulation for your orchid.

Pests

Vanda Orchids are prone to mealybugs, scale insects, slugs and snails infestation. Isolate the affected orchid to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Dark-green leaves

Dark green leaves on Vanda Orchids indicate that your orchid is not getting enough light. Move the orchid to a brighter spot or instal grow lights if the natural lighting is not enough.

Conclusion

Vanda Orchids are exotic, striking plants that can thrive indoors with the right care. By providing bright light, high humidity, and regular watering, you can enjoy their gorgeous, long-lasting blooms. With proper propagation techniques and troubleshooting solutions, your Vanda Orchid will remain healthy and vibrant for years.

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