Sun exposure for Ascocendas, ect.

[otis226]

I'm just getting into the smaller vandaceous plants and was wondering if they can tolerate about 6 hrs. exposure of full sun, if gradually aclaimated,here in sunny FL?
Thanks,
Tony

[Brutal_Dreamer]

for the Florida growers.

I would not put them in full sun here in Arkansas. It is just too darn hot and would burn them up.

cheers,
BD

[Cjcorner]

If you look up the vanda pictures of them in trees you will realize they don't usually get full sun, unless they are terete. There are two kinds; the ones called Terete have round "leaves" that look more like stems. Strap leaf vanda are more common and have a more traditional wider "leaf" that is sort of like one V set into another. Strap-leaf grow attached to the bark of a tree, under the canopy. So you can recreate with lattice work; the canopy of the tree for them, or use a plant to diffuse the sunlight hitting your vanda. Mine get full morning sun and full evening sun, and the hot afternoon/midday sun is blocked from them. My Terete vanda are slowly being moved farther out into the sunlight and away from overhead shelter. Good Luck...as with any orchid move it towards brighter light slowly. Your plants color will tell you when it's too much. Freckles mean you have it in the right spot. Just keep an eye on them as the sun moves from season to season you may need to move your plants as well.

[otis226]

Moved 'em today to hang in my pindo palm, they'll get dappled sun there. Thanks. I have seen pics of the strapped leaved vandaceous plants grown in full sun in some of the nurseries in the far east.
Tony

[Halloamey]

Excellent advice from Connie ! Remember when you talk about growth conditions, its just not this one condition but all the interacting parameters that need to be taken into consideration. For eg. even strap leaf Vandas can take full Sun under the right conditions of temperature, (not more than 28 0C) high relative humidity ( 70% +) and good air movement coupled with frequent watering. Its just got to do about a little fine tuning and getting your set of conditions to complement each other.

[cdayinflorida]

I grow my vanda types in about 40% shade till about noon. They are in about 60% after that. I have a bunch of terete crosses of TMAs and JVBs that are in pretty much full sun but they didn't start out there. It was a gradual move.
I think you grow vandas quite hard if you can keep up with the requirments needed...much humidity and air movement. Most of us can't provide that.

[otis226]

Thanks all. If I can't make a few vandaceous orchids happy here in FL, then shame on me! I guess the two little rescues must be liking their home hanging in my front pindo palm. One is putting out a new leaf and the other more roots. I'll keep you posted, Cathy.
Cheers
Tony

[cdayinflorida]

Let me know how they do, Tony.

[otis226]

Sure will, Cathy. Thanks!
Tony