How to Grow Vandas at your Home?

I love Vandas very much ... actually, growing this plant is not a rocket science if you have a greenhouse. However, it's become a rocket science for me trying to grow this gorgeous plant at home, even though I'm not a beginner in growing orchids.

In general, the Vandas need high humidity and high temperatures, bright light, and turbulent air flow. They need periods of drenching "rain" followed by a hard dry period. All these elements are hard to deliver at home. Yet, I'm determined to have this orchid in my collection.
Recently I purchased 3 orchids... crazy ha? Especially, after killing two previously. Nevertheless, one lady explained me how she took care of her vandas, which she grow home as well. According to her recommendations, the first thing is to keep vanda in the clear container, because its roots require the photosynthesis process. Photosynthesis is a process used by Vanda's root system to convert light energy into chemical energy that later releases to fuel the plant activities.
The second point is to put the plant in the water every morning. I mean, the roots need to be soaked with water. That lady keeps vandas roots in water during 20-30 minutes. So, it makes sense, I can do that!
So, received such tips I bought 3 vandas. Based on my previous experience, vandas are quite sensitive of changing environment.

 As you see on the picture the spike is getting yellowish, which is not a good sing. It was too stressful for it being in a basket with dozens of other plants for a few days before sale, and then, the home environment instead of the greenhouse. I guess, I won't able to see the flower, unfortunately. 
















By the way, this is Vanda coerulea, Blue. Hope, one day it will bloom for me.

Let's go back to the procedure ...
As I said before, we should pre soak roots in water until the white or silvery roots turn green color. However, the specialists do not recommend keeping the plant in water for 20 minutes. Overall, the plant should be under spray or in the water for up to 8 minutes.Vandas cannot continue to absorb water longer than 8 minutes.

Seriously dehydrated Vandas can be floated in a pot of water (just put the whole plant in) for a while to rehydrate them.

  Here you see two others taking a bath in the pot.

One of them is Vanda Brighton Leopard.

The other one is Ascocentrum miniatum Vanda.




LOVE them so much!

Any other suggestions, recommendations regarding growing vandas at the home? I would really appreciate it :-)




#vandas

If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask me, and I will reply as soon as possible.