Vanda ustii

Also known as: UST's Vanda in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Philippines

General Information

UST's Vanda is a monopodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines. It is named after the An acronym for the college University of Santo Thomas in Manila.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 300cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 2-35cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal

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.

During Spring, be sure to keep media moist.

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.

Potting

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots