Vanda orchids, known for their vibrant blooms and distinctive aerial roots, are unique epiphytes. Their natural growth habit makes traditional potting methods unsuitable. Hanging these orchids allows for optimal air circulation around their roots, crucial for their health and development, and prevents issues like root rot.
Why Hang Vanda Orchids
Vanda orchids are epiphytic, growing attached to trees or rocks in their native habitats, not in soil. Their thick, fleshy aerial roots absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air. Hanging mimics this natural environment, providing ideal conditions. Exposing roots to air promotes excellent circulation, preventing fungal diseases and root rot. This method supports the plant’s unique physiology, enabling robust growth and prolific flowering.
Popular Vanda Hanging Methods
Several effective ways exist to display Vanda orchids by hanging. Each method caters to the orchid’s specific needs for root exposure and air movement.
Hanging Baskets
Slatted wood baskets are a common choice for Vanda orchids. These baskets allow roots to grow freely through the open slats, mimicking their natural attachment to tree branches. Many Vandas thrive with minimal or no potting material, letting their roots cascade through the openings. The slatted design ensures excellent drainage and air circulation.
Mounted on Plaques
Mounting Vanda orchids on plaques of cork bark, tree fern, or driftwood offers a naturalistic display, replicating how Vandas attach to host trees. Growers secure the orchid with soft ties or wire, sometimes adding a small amount of sphagnum moss for initial moisture retention. The plaque provides a stable surface for roots to cling and spread.
Bare-Root Suspended
Hanging Vanda orchids bare-root, without any media or mounting material, allows their extensive root systems to dangle freely. This method requires high ambient humidity and frequent watering, often daily, as the roots dry out quickly without any substrate. Bare-root suspension provides excellent air circulation and can lead to impressive root development.
Choosing the Right Spot for Hanging
Choosing the right spot for hanging Vanda orchids involves considering environmental factors. Optimal placement ensures the plant receives the necessary light, air circulation, and humidity.
Light
Vanda orchids require bright, indirect light to thrive and bloom. An east- or south-facing window providing filtered sunlight is ideal, as direct, intense sun can scorch the leaves. Hanging allows flexibility in positioning the orchid to maximize light exposure.
Air Circulation
Good air movement is important for hanging Vanda roots, preventing stagnant conditions and fungal issues. Gentle, consistent breezes or oscillating fans provide necessary air circulation. This constant airflow aids in the rapid drying of roots after watering, which benefits Vanda health.
Humidity
Hanging exposes Vanda roots directly to the air, increasing their need for high ambient humidity. To boost humidity, group plants, place humidity trays with pebbles and water, or use a humidifier. A bathroom with good light can also be a suitable humid location.
Maintaining Hanging Vanda Orchids
Caring for hanging Vanda orchids involves specific practices adapted to their display methods. Watering and fertilizing routines are adjusted to accommodate their exposed root systems.
Watering
Hanging Vanda orchids, particularly those mounted or bare-root, dry faster than potted ones. Daily watering is often necessary, involving drenching or soaking roots for several minutes. Watering frequency depends on the specific hanging method, with bare-root plants requiring the most frequent hydration.
Fertilizing
Regular, dilute fertilization is important for hanging Vandas, as nutrients leach quickly from their exposed roots. A “weakly, weekly” or “weakly, bi-weekly” approach using a balanced, orchid-specific fertilizer is recommended. Some growers alternate with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming.
Root Health
Healthy aerial roots are a defining characteristic of Vanda orchids, and hanging promotes their robust development. These thick, fleshy roots are vital for water and nutrient absorption. Avoid disturbing healthy roots, allowing them to grow freely.