Vanda testacea

Also known as: Information to be completed

A small to medium sized, evergreen, tropical, epiphytic orchid species. As a monopodial orchid, the new growth appears from a single central point on a long, upright, stem-like rhizome. The rhizome is covered with alternate, leaf bearing sheaths. Green or dark green leaves angle out from the central stem. As new leaves emerge at the top, older, lower leaves gradually drop off. New roots emerge from the central stem, following the ascending growing trend. Flowering stems up to 25cm long, emerge from the axils of leaf sheaths and carry many, freely-spaced, small, yellow flowers. The flowers are approx. 2cm across, with petals twisted downwards. Lip is atypically small, often purple, with yellow or brown, curved spur at the back.

Scientific classification

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

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
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 testacea pictures

Distribution of Vanda testacea

Distribution map

Himalayas, India to Thailand

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Vanda testacea

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Vanda testacea 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 or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.