blooming vanda?

I don't have the best conditions for a vanda (I know they like greenhouses), but I still want to give it a try. So it's right by the window (in a mini greenhouse box), faces west, and gets afternoon sun (about 5-6 hours, just an estimate). Is this too much or too little or enough?

Also, how easy has it been for you to bloom your vanda? Just curious.

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~~~Lily~~~

Depends, in part, on the Vanda. That might be enough for a Vanda lamellata (which, if I'm not mistaken, needs less light) or a hybrid with lots of lamellata in its heritage. Probably not enough light for a standard strap-leaf hybrid to bloom, unless other conditions are perfect, and definitely not enough for a terete or semi-terete. If you put it outside for the summer it will make quite a bit of difference.

My Vanda mock me. The only one which seems to bloom regularly is a semi-terete pink thing which spikes at midsummer. It's in spike right now. I have mine outside in nearly full sun from last frost to first frost, and under bright metal halide light over the winter.

For those of us without green houses, who are not in Florida or Socal, Vanda are a labour of love. In my experience at least. I'd be glad to be contradicted though, so everyone else, please chime in.

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I am trying to hurt your dog.

Well, Sue, I think your way is about the only way if you don't have a greenhouse or live somewhere with the appropriate external environment. Lily, definitely put it outside where it can get many hours 5 - 8 of bright sun every day (just remember to acclimate it though, no full midday sun all of a sudden). Sue's right--you'll notice a world of difference in how must faster and stronger it will grow. Winters, you'll just have to do the best you can to give it the most light indoors--if you have any big, southern-facing windows, that might just do the trick. Assuming too that it's a strap-leafed hybrid and not something terete or semi-terete....

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Louis J. Aszod

Here is one V. Kasems Delight grown in the house in direct east sun and some south until about 12 noon . It is now in the green house , was a mess to water in the house , of course I added to it ,more than one to water It is grown in a slat basket with large landscape bark sprayed down in the Am. and Fertilised weekly . Never was outside . In a west window I think it would be best to hang it outside in the summer . Gin

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Louis J. Aszod