Vanda hastifera
Also known as: The Lance Carrying Vanda or Renanthera trichoglottis Vanda hastifera h.v. hastifera in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Lance Carrying Vanda is a monopodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Monopodial. Grows to 100cm. Each new growth has numerous erect arching leaves that grow to 2-20cm long
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Charcoal
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 165mm to 389mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 79% to 87%, highest in October and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 23C to 32C, highest in May (24C to 32C) and lowest in January (23C 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.
Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.Potting
This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots
