With its epiphytic growth and cultivation without soil, the Vanda orchid catapults us into the higher spheres of hobby gardening. By putting the long aerial roots in a glass, care becomes easier in no time than if the flower beauty dangles from the ceiling. Read useful tips on correct watering, fertilizing and cutting here.
How do I care for a Vanda orchid in a glass?
To properly care for a Vanda orchid in a glass, water it regularly with lime-free water, fertilize it every 2-4 weeks with special orchid fertilizer and only cut off dead shoots, leaves and aerial roots.
How do I water an orchid in a glass?
The particular advantage of cultivating in a glass vase is that the aerial roots do not dry out so quickly despite the sun and heat. However, the Vanda orchid still needs regular water, which can be met in various ways. This is how you handle the important care aspect correctly:
- Twice a week, immerse the Vanda orchid in a bucket of filtered rainwater for 30 minutes
- Then let the aerial roots drain well and hang them back in the glass vase
- Alternatively, fill the container with lime-free water until no more air bubbles rise and pour out again
- Only add enough water to the glass so that the heart and leaf axils do not get wet
In addition, pamper the discerning diva with a gentle mist on warm summer days.
Does a vanda in a jar require fertilizer?
A continuous supply of nutrients ensures that you actually get a vanda to bloom in a glass. Since the roots must never be fertilized dry, add the special orchid fertilizer (€7.00 on Amazon) to the submerged water. In summer, fertilize the plant every 2 weeks. In winter the time interval is extended to 4 weeks.
For what occasion can a Vanda orchid be cut?
Only cut shoots and leaves when they have yellowed and died. A premature cut affects the vitality and willingness to flower. The same applies to the aerial roots. Make sure there is no life left in a root strand before reaching for the scissors.
The only exception to a cut in the middle of the flowering period is the use of a Vanda as a cut flower for the arrangement or bouquet. In this case, cut the flower stem when the first buds have opened.
Tip
With the Vanda coerulea, the wonderful genus gives us one of the rare blue orchids. The rarity impresses with up to 15 blue flowers, which unfold on an inflorescence axis up to 60 cm long. With a flower diameter of 6 to 9 cm, the floral spectacle on the sunny windowsill attracts admiring glances.
