Vanda teres

Also known as: Information to be completed

A giant sized, evergreen, tropical epiphytic orchid species. As a typical example of monopodial orchid, the new growth appears from the central tip on a long, slender, scrambling rhizome. Terete, pencil-like leaves are attached at the base to green, alternate leaf sheaths, covering the rhizome. As new leaves appear at the top of the plant, older leaves, lower on the stem gradually fall off. Long, thin, epiphytic roots, attaching to anyting in their surroundings, grow directly from the stem, following the ascending growing trend. Inflorescences up to 30cm long appear from axils of leaves in late sping or early summer, carrying 3 - 6, well-spaced, large, showy flowers. Each flower can measure up to 10cm in diameter. Upper sepal and petals are white or pale pink, lip is disctinctively yellow or orange at the throat. Side lobes of the lip are typically curved towards the centre.

Scientific classification

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

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Toxicity: Information to be completed
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Columnar upright · Climbing
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Vanda teres pictures

Distribution of Vanda teres

Distribution map

Southern China, Himalayas, India to Southeastern Asia

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Vanda teres

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Vanda teres care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant
Watering: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks in active growth

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.

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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.