Vanda javierae

Also known as: Mrs. Javier's Vanda or Vanda javierii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Philippines

General Information

Mrs. Javier's Vanda is a medium sized monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines. It is named after the late in the 1900's Philippine Orchid Grower.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 35cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery leaves that grow to 2.5-20cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 1161mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 83% to 93%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 14C to 27C, highest in April (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (14C to 23C).

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. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Summer and Winter. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer and Winter.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.