vandas

[pretty_bug01]

I KNOW that my area is wonderful to grow vandas outside. Is there any special treatment needs? Got any contacts that sell them since you don;t?

[LJA]

Vandas will do great outside in your area during late spring, summer, and early fall. If you don't have any shadecloth (about 50%), hang them in the trees where they'll get dappled sunlight throughout the day with full sun in the early morning and early evening. They need a lot of light to prosper and bloom properly, but full midday sun will burn them. They're also very heavy feeders during the growing season so fertilizing twice weekly is good for them. Here, in midsummer, we water ours twice a day and fertilize two or even three times a week. (All of our Vandas are in teak baskets with exposed roots: no media).

The PREMIERE Vanda grower in the country is Robert Fuchs. He has more Vanda and Ascocenda hybrids to his name than just about anyone. The web address is http://www.rforchids.com

He's a little pricey, but the quality of his Vanda crosses can't be beat.

[pretty_bug01]

I got one. It's from *those* stores, but it has it's name and I'm not guilty about it. *giggle* Noi Blue it's called. They leaves arent impressive, but none of the buds have bloomed yet.

Mom decided to get a phal....I personally don't like them, but she is making me nurse it back to blooming again. The discount bin for her. Do I use the regular potting mix for a phal? Also, all the blooms have died, but it looks like there is a new bud coming from both of the florence...is that the name for it? Either way it has that sticky stuff underneath the leaves so it is going to get some insecticide tomorrow.

Good day today

[LJA]

Oy....



At least it has buds. I got a Vanda from Lowe's 6 years ago and it bloomed for the first time this year.....

Yes, use regular potting mix for the Phal. If all of the blooms have died, just cut the spike back to the base. You can leave the spike on and let it throw out those few extra flowers, but I wouldn't. Repot it, cut the spike off, let it grow some new roots and a leaf, and it'll bloom a heckuva lot better next time.

"florence" is a city in Italy. "Inflorescence" is the fancy name for a flower spike. I think that's the one you were after...

"Sticky stuff on the underside?" What sticky stuff? Some kid wad his gum to the bottom?

[pretty_bug01]

Don't know. It was some clear sticky stuff. I accidently brushed up against it. Either way I don't trust Lowe's to be bug free. Not after the aphids. But now that I remember I remember seeing ants roaming on it, then the aphids appeared. Bad ants I tell you. I'm trying to resize the picture of my vanda. I will get a picture of the flower too when it blooms.

[pretty_bug01]

I didn't notice that you said the guys last name was Fuch. My NOI BLUE is a "wirat x fuch's delight." Did he make that cross or something? Either way ... it felt ironic.

[LJA]

Nice Vanda! I love those plants....

I don't know if Fuchs made the cross you have, but he definitely made the cross that created your Vanda's pollinating parent! Over the past 40 or so years, he's made quite a name for himself where Vandas are concerned--was why I recommended him.

[Sue]

Originally posted by pretty_bug01
Either way it has that sticky stuff underneath the leaves so it is going to get some insecticide tomorrow.

Unless there's something seriously wrong with a plant (as there clearly isn't with yours), the sticky stuff is not a sign of an insect problem. It's usually called 'honeydew', and it secreted by orchids when they are doing very well. It tends to attract ants, which tend to keep away harmful insects.

So if it's got clear sticky droplets of sugar (taste it!), that's a clear sign that you've got a happy plant. Save the insecticide.

– Sue.