Vanda Pachara Delight is a hybrid orchid known for its showy, vibrant flowers that often bloom two or three times each year. It is a classic strap-leaf Vanda, resulting from a cross between Vanda Karulea and Vanda Gordon Dillon. The flowers typically display a striking color palette of indigo, blue, or deep violet, often highlighted by darker speckles or tessellation across the petals and sepals. This plant’s dramatic coloration and vigorous growth make it a rewarding choice for growers who can meet its specific environmental demands.
Ideal Growing Environment
The Vanda Pachara Delight requires high light levels to successfully initiate blooming. In a home setting, place the plant in a bright south-facing window to receive several hours of intense, filtered sunlight daily. Although this Vanda thrives on maximum light exposure, avoid direct, harsh midday sun, especially in summer. Intense sun can cause the leaves to scorch and turn a bronze color.
These orchids are native to tropical environments and require warm-to-hot growing conditions year-round. Ideal daytime temperatures should consistently range between 70°F and 95°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 105°F, provided that air circulation and humidity are increased.
Maintaining adequate warmth overnight is important for health and growth. Nighttime temperatures should not consistently drop below 60°F to 65°F. Exposure to a cold, dry environment below 50°F can injure the sensitive roots and disrupt the continuous growth pattern.
Watering and Humidity Requirements
Since this Vanda is often grown bare-root in open baskets, its moisture requirements are frequent and demanding. The thick, aerial roots are designed to absorb water quickly but also to dry out rapidly, necessitating a daily watering schedule in most climates. During periods of high heat or low humidity, particularly in summer, the plant may require watering twice per day to prevent the root system from desiccating.
The most effective method for watering is to soak the entire root system in a bucket or basin of water for 15 to 30 minutes until the roots are fully saturated. Alternatively, run water over the roots for several minutes, repeating the process after a short pause, to ensure sufficient moisture absorption. Proper watering is confirmed when the root’s velamen layer turns from white or silver to a vibrant, deep green color.
Use clean, lukewarm water, such as rainwater or reverse osmosis water, as Vandas are sensitive to the high mineral content found in hard tap water. High humidity is a non-negotiable factor, with 70% to 80% being optimal for continuous, healthy growth. The combination of high light and high temperature requires this proportional increase in ambient moisture to prevent dehydration. Home growers can achieve this necessary microclimate by grouping plants closely together, utilizing a dedicated room humidifier, or placing the orchid over a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles.
Nutrient Delivery and Structural Support
Vanda Pachara Delight requires a consistent nutrient regimen to support its large size and frequent blooming. A standard “weakly, weekly” approach, where a diluted fertilizer solution is applied frequently, is highly recommended. This involves using a balanced fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, at one-quarter strength with nearly every watering.
Alternatively, a full-strength application once per week during the active growing season is effective. Ensure the roots are saturated before applying fertilizer to avoid chemical burn. To encourage flower spikes, a high-phosphorus formula, such as 10-30-20, can be substituted every third application. Once a month, thoroughly flush the roots with plain water to remove accumulated fertilizer salts, which can damage the roots over time.
The characteristic structural support for this Vanda involves growing it bare-root in a slatted wooden basket, which allows for maximum air circulation and rapid drying. The long, extensive root system hangs freely from the basket, mimicking the epiphytic growth habit found in its native habitat. If a container must be used, it should be a well-ventilated, specialized orchid pot filled with extremely coarse, fast-draining media like large chunks of charcoal or lava rock. During inspection, any roots that appear papery, shriveled, or brown should be cleanly trimmed with a sterile tool.