I am sure most people have tried growing Orchids in their homes or gardens, some have succeeded, and many have failed. Yes, they are the most beautiful plants however they are the trickiest. From too much water to too little, sunlight, slight breeze, and temperature. You need to know your stuff if you want to have the Orchid “green finger”.
I have collected several different species over the years. They really do make a garden or patio look beautiful and are always a conversation starter, besides the absolute pride one has when they rebloom for you! For interest’s sake, there are about 30,000 species of Orchids and around 100,000 Hybrids and Cultivars. I would like to give a few tips on the Vanda Orchid. I believe they give the most beautiful flowers and grow so beautifully in the garden.
A vanda is an air Orchid and likes Sunlight and warm temperatures. Their Blooms can last up to 6 weeks. I like hanging them in my trees in Summer, with no direct Sunlight, and I water them every day just with the hose pipe on a gentle spray. The downside of living in Johannesburg is that they do not like temperatures below 12 degrees, so I bring them in at night in winter.
Here are some tips for healthy Vandas that bloom regularly:
- Hang them in a space with bright light (if indoors near a window) No direct sunlight for too long in a day, you can burn the leaves.
- Water frequently, make sure the roots dry out in between each watering. When watering the roots should turn green.
- Fertilise regularly by using a large bucket and dissolving the Orchid fertiliser in there, and just let the roots soak in the water for a few hours once a week.
- When blooming make sure the temperature they are in is not too high, you can dry the flowers out.
Enjoy them, Orchids are the gifts that keep giving!