Vanda Miss Joaquim

[Lore]

I received mine today. At first I thought they delivered the wrong package because it was so big. I was expecting a fairly small section, but got a very tall, very nice plant! Needless to say I'm excited. This is my second Vanda, my first is still resting after repotting (arrived last week). I wanted to ask for a little advice if anyone would be so kind as to share......
I had planned on leaving the Vandas, after their resting period, hanging outside(up high out of the way of the kiddos) in the sun, where they will get about five hours of direct sunlight a day. Of course I'll gradually get them used to it. And I'll mist them everyday. My question is: Is it essential that they be in a greenhouse type environment, or would they do good outdoors in the sun with frequent misting? I'm still in the process of building a small greenhouse. It keeps falling apart on me.

[LJA]

Lore, I think it will do really well outside. We put a lot of our vandas out in the summer. Just remember that the more light you give it, the more air movement it's going to need to keep from burning if it's not used to the light intensity. I don't know where you are location-wise, but here, it's very humid in the summer--perfect for them. So no, they don't need to be in a greenhouse year around at all.

[Lore]

[Gin]

I have a few outside , hanging in a tree , I water them heavy twice a day, they are in slat baskets , not in pots . Also the area around them is watered to keep the grasshoppers away . Hope this helps a little . Gin

[Lore]

Hi Gin, thanks! Wow you water them everyday? Do you do this because of the heat of summer? Sorry if that sounds ignorant, I'm still learning about vandas. I read that I should water them once a week, even if outside. There is so much conflicting info out there, but I guess it depends on how well the plant responds to it all. I was thinking that my vandas may need more watering than just once a week, and was thinking of giving it a try. I definitely will now that I know you do. You seem experienced so I'll follow suit.

[clintdawley]

Watering vandas that have been potted once a week might be enough, if the temps are too hot.

Trust me, in Texas..at least in North Texas where I live, they do appreciate a twice a day watering and I soak them overnight every few days (bareroot in a basket).

Miss Joachim should be easy to grow here and can be acclimated to full sun. The terete vandas are light hogs.

[Gin]

Lore I just saw your post , good info. from clint . Water till the roots are green wait a bit and rewater them if in baskets . They have no way to store moisture to use later, I am still watering 2 times a day , when it hit 100 outside it was 3 times a day they are in baskets with large bark, landscape type , Usually I feed at half strength but for Vandas they get what the label says . Mine are the strap leaf type and do not require full sun they get direct am . and dappled the rest of the time . Hope this also helps a little . Gin