Vanda hookeriana

Also known as: Information to be completed

A large-sized, evergreen, tropical, terrestrial orchid species, growing in hot conditions in full sun. As a typical example of a monopodial orchid, the new growth emerges from a central tip on a long, slender, scrambling, stem-like rhizome. Terete, pencil-like leaves are attached to alternate leaf sheaths, covering the rhizome. As new leaves emerge from the top of the plant, old, lower leaves gradually drop off. Long, adventurous roots attaching to any surfaces in their surrounding emerge directly from the stem, following the ascending growing trend. The plant flowers in spring and summer on inflorescences 30cm long, sheated at base, carrying 2-12 large flowers, opening in succession. Flowers are showy and long-lasting, with large wide, prominent lip, with covered with pink markings. Side lobes and centre are darker, petals and sepals are white or pale pink.

Scientific classification

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

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 1-1.5 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 hookeriana pictures

Distribution of Vanda hookeriana

Distribution map

Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Vanda hookeriana

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Vanda hookeriana 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.