A Vanda inside the House? Advice Please?

[Triffid]

I have been thinking about getting a Vanda for some time. I have done enough research and know the basic requirements needed. Unfortunately Culture Sheets and the like do not always give you the full picture.

The main problem I have is that it would have to be kept indoors. No Greenhouse etc.
May I ask what Problems people have encountered when keeping Vanda's in this way and any advice people may have for me (and others for that matter)? The thing that is worrying me the most is the size issue. (If I do buy the one I want it will be the biggest orchid of the bunch thus far)

I understand that watering may be the main issue and the indoor set-up may have to be adjusted to suit (especially if mounted). Have thought about just keeping it in a vase, but would like to know of all potential options. Pros and Cons.

I have my heart set on this one
Vanda 'Lady Gray'

Any advice or experiences, Good and Bad, I would love to hear about.

Thank you in advance.

[orkie]

Hi,

I grow vandas and vandaceous in my house. Check out the Vanda Pachara Delight recent post, I go through how I care for mine indoors, although I summer that particular plant and some others outside (but not all of them). It can be done sucessfully.

[Triffid]

Cool! Thanks!
(Link to thread to which Orkie has referred)

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...a-delight.html

I was also reading about the axis of the plant on this thread. it's to do with the plant seeking light, and thus twisting within it's container. (Like when you turn your windowsill plants so that they do not grow lop-sided).

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...thing-new.html

Would this effect how they grow indoors? I presume that, keeping the plant close to the window and in the same position as stated on that thread would help to stop twisting?

[orkie]

I haven't had any twisting with my vandas and keep them so close to the window that I think that is the reason, but I have other monopodial orchids, like Sedirea that have twisted like crazy...I've tried alternating the way they face as new leaves come in to encourage growth in the right direction to keep them straight...it seems to work better for some than other though!

[RosieC]

I kept a potted one (potted in large bark) inside in a south west window for a while. It seemed to do OK, but I decided to move it outside and the only real advantage I have found is that the bark dries quicker outside and it seems to prefer that... otherwise it was doing fine in the house (but in the lightest part of my house).

I will be moving it back in to the house over the winter as I will be keeping my greenhouse on the cold side.

[Triffid]

Thank you both !

Also adding this link to a thread do with Vanda's in Vases (Oh and Moderators? Would it be possible make the "Vandas in Glass Vases" thread a Sticky?)
Vandas in Glass Vases

How I missed this thread I don't know. Oh yeah I know, I was trying to work from the oldest to newest threads But it's certainly made me less scared of the Vase option.

Still undecided what would be best for my home and situation. Almost leaning towards Vases, the cat we have is suitably careful (Hasn't eaten or knocked over a plant yet!) and actually meows at us when stuff is in his way rather than knocking it over (strange creature!).

[RosieC]

I know that both Burnham and David Stead sell Vandas with the vase if you want to go down that rout. Burnham also sells them potted and both places have them bare root in baskets.

I'm still quite scared of my vanda... but I notice it is putting out a new leaf and new roots at the momment which makes me feel better.

[RosieC]

I've also made the other thread a sticky for you.

[Triffid]

Rosie,
Big Thanks for the Tip about Burnham and David Stead and thank you for making the other thread a sticky.

Currently saving up and may check them out after September. Sounds a long way off but we may be going to York at the end of September so it may give me a chance to check out this "Easy Orchids" place.
Haven't really heard anything about them, all I know is their Web-Site is huge and has pretty pictures

Originally Posted by RosieC

I'm still quite scared of my vanda... but I notice it is putting out a new leaf and new roots at the momment which makes me feel better.

Congratulations on the new growth!
In a strange way it's kind of reassuring that a Vanda owner is still scared of their plant... Shows you still care about your plants!

[smweaver]

The vanda you posted a picture of looks like a V. coerulea hybrid. If that's really what it is, it should have a lot of cool tolerance (or even preference). I only have about half a dozen vanda species, but they're all in pots and do just fine (try to use a very coarse mix in the pots, such as large-grade coconut husk chips or lava rock). I too grow them indoors during the winter months, but during the spring, summer and fall they all go outside. If you have the ability to put them outside during the warmer months, I think you'll have a better chance at succeeding with them. But if you don't, then the next best alternative would be to find a south-facing window where the plant could get as much unobstructed light as possible.

As far as the twisting goes, my plants tend to do that too; even when I have them consistently facing the same direction, they still manage to "move about" a little. So I wouldn't be too concerned about that. I would also suggest that you keep in mind that many vandas have seasonal preferences as far as their care goes. They like lots of water, heat and humidity during their growing season, followed by a cooler and dryer rest during the winter (at least this is what's worked for me).

Go ahead and get the plant! It's quite possibly a mass-produced hybrid (that doesn't mean you should mistreat it, but it's certainly not a threatened species--and therefore far less expendable--like V. luzonica), so no big deal if it turns out that it doesn't do well with you experimenting with it (and experimentation, to a large extent, is really what everyone has to go through before they figure out what works and what doesn't). Good luck!

Steve