These large colourful orchids come from tropical Asia and therefore like to have warm conditions. There are about 30 - 40 species of Vanda which come from India, Indo-China, New Guinea, Australia, The Philippines and Taiwan. The Vanda family have a monopodial growth and are best grown in baskets.

Temperature:-        

Winter day time temp. - 65 F (18 C)

Winter minimum - 59 F (15 C)

There are some Vandas which can take a slightly lower minimum temperature in the winter. They are V.Coerulea and hybrids from this orchid e.g. V.Rothschildiana (V.sanderiana X V.coerulea). The winter temperature can be allowed to drop to around

Composts: An open compost is essential for these orchids but often they are grown with no compost at all and just tied or supported in open baskets so that their long roots can hang freely in the air. Some orchidists support the base of the plant in a small pot and the roots are either allowed to hang free or they are guided into a much larger pot which is anchored to the small pot. I prefer a basket made of wood. Water:     The plants need to be sprayed/watered every day in summer. Some people continue this through the winter but I reduce it to every third day in very cold U.K. weather. It does depend of course on where you live and the local temperature.

Feed:     A normal orchid feed is given from spring to autumn.

 Light:     Vandas like plenty of bright light but guard against scorching. They are normally happy hanging near the roof of the greenhouse.