Vanda alpina

Also known as: Information to be completed

A miniature-sized, cool to cold-growing epiphytic, monopodial orchid. New growth emerges from a central tip on a long, central rhizome, completely enveloped with leaf-carrying sheaths. Older, lower leaves gradually drop off, as the new form at the top. Two-rowed, fleshy, bright green leaves, up to 16cm long and up to 1.4cm wide, angle out from the main stem. New roots emerge from the central stem, following the ascending growing trend. In early to mid-summer, short inflorescences appear from axils of leaves and main stem. Each carries 2-3 small, fragrant flowers. Flowers are fleshy, yellow-green, measuring up to 2cm across. Dominant lip is curved, white, with dark red centre and dark red or purple stripes in front.

Scientific classification

Species: Vanda alpina (Vanda alpina)
Genus: Vanda
Family: Orchidaceae

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Toxicity: Information to be completed
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Vanda alpina pictures

Distribution of Vanda alpina

Distribution map

Himalaya

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Vanda alpina

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Vanda alpina care guide

Soak orchid bark fully, allow medium partial drying between watering
Watering: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Soak orchid bark fully, allow medium partial drying between watering

Fertilizing

Highly diluted orchid feed weekly during warm growth active months

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Old, ''leggy'' plants with bare stems can be cut during their active growing season to reduce the size of the plant. Cut through the rhizome, below the new developed set of aerial roots. Lowering apical dominance by laying plant horizontally, or hanging upside down will support the growth of new roots.

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long.

Growing

For successful cultivation and frequent flowering, plants require high light levels and long, light days. In summer, they would benefit from being in a warm and bright greenhouse or conservatory, but direct, mid-day sun should be avoided. Highly absorbent, sponge-like roots are the principal water-storage organs. Dark green or purplish tips of the roots may be observed as a sign of actively growing plant. They are heavy feeders and require regular application of orchid fertiliser between spring and autumn. High air humidity (70 -80%), good air circulation and regular misiting should be provided frequently when in active growth. In cooler climates with shorter days, plants may go dormant in winter. Misting may be reduced to avoid rots, but plants shouldn't be left dry for long periods. Ideal temperature range is 15°C in winter and up to 30°C during summer months. Plants can be grown in an open baskets, or in a coarse, bark-based epiphyte orchid mix.

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial of fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.