Vanda dearei
Also known as: Deare's Vanda in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
Deare's Vanda is a monopodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the English Officer and Plant collector in burma in the 19th century.
Plant Description
Monopodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick, arching leaves that grow to 3-45cm long
Flowers
Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Charcoal
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 22C to 33C, highest in August (22C to 33C) and lowest in January (22C to 31C).
Watering
These orchids gather most of their water from their aerial roots, which should be sprayed regularly or kept in a humid environment; roots exposed to dry air that receive no water will die back. On that same note, roots that are inside a pot surrounded by media may also die back, with new roots growing from the stem away from the pot.
If outdoors, a misting system aimed at the roots that turns on regularly will help them grow, otherwise if indoors placing the roots inside a vase or pot with no media along with regular spraying should give them the moisture they need.
Fertiliser
Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.
Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.Potting
This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.
