Just bought a Vanda (scary.)

Probably an idiotic move on my part, but it was only $13 and I said screw it. It's fuschia, and like a moth to a flame, I gravitated to it. It's a hybrid bag baby named V. Khao Lak x Dr. Anek 'Somri'. I'm a windowsill grower, so a Vanda probably isn't smart. I am, however, in Texas and I grow in western windows. Needless to say, it's very warm and very bright in my apartment.

Am I doomed, or what?

Not at all, there are many windowsill Vanda growers on our forum, especially from Europe, I am sure they will chime in soon. I would recommend you go with the Glass vase culture.

Keep up the humidity and bright light. You should be fine.

Thanks for the responses! Care to help me understand what glass vase culture is? Is it the same as when you buy an Amaryllis at Christmas in a vase of water and just let it grow?

You might want to have a look at this post
http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...ocendas-2.html

Also just search images for Vanda vase in google search and you will get many images.

Thank you! It's starting get pretty warm here in Texas...in the upper 80's most days, soon to be 90s in a month or so. Should I keep it outside in the vase? Are they just as vulnerable to burn as, say, a Cattleya? (I still can't acclimate my catts to the western sun outside). I know they require extreme light as far as orchids go.

Yes Sun burn is a major concern also for Vandas, and Cattleyas will make a come-back with new growth since they have storage water and nutrients in pseudobulbs, but a sun burnt Vanda is a very bad situation. Temperatures in the 80s and 90s are ok, we usually have 100-110 from March to May, but no air movement, dry conditions and bright light will be a killer combination. As long as the RH is more than 70% and there is plenty of Air movement temps in 90s will not cause burn.

At least you have strong light in Texas and that's important for vandas. It's possible to burn vandas with direct sun in the middle of the day, especially if it's a young plant without a lot of roots. Once the orchid reaches a mature size and grows a decent root system it will tolerate stronger light better. Water it at least every other day and every day if possible. Good luck.

Hey Sand Tiger fear not. My main grow area is east south east losing sun at 2 ish in the afternoon. I have 2 and a half vandas/ ascos and some other vandaceous with a view very soon for renanthera and trichoglottis brachiata., the 'half' vanda is a crown rot victim mimi palmer but she bounced back after i lopped the top off. Many members here specialise and expose their unfortunate events,

My plants are pretty much hanging out the window they are to close to glass and my constant spraying does not conflict with them- now! anyway as the crowns are out of aim. Windowsill wise its not the sun so much as the humidity i relation to roots esp if u have a fan on the go alot , which i do cos of all mounts etc. This is why I underline Ameys point re a vase. Doesnt have to be a vase (far to normal for me) but this is a crucial tool or your roots will dehyddrate and dry up forever. I use cut suspended plastic strips as an immediate backdrop and hardly noticeable and does the job so well the phals longest aerial roots are gunning for it. I have to have roots dangling freely or atleast the illusion of, its part of my oh-naturel habitat aesthetic thing. You can pot up with selective media or just fill pot with water 30 mins and empty daily. Mine get dunked and sprayed. In slat baskets suspended on pot with Lampranthus in peat and roots hang down the sides.

........did you clock the 'UK' location and flourescent lights only used in oct - feb. Grow room (converted spare bedroom) is white washed and proofed.