Vanda

Vanda (VAN-duh) or Ascocentrum (as-koh-SEN-trim)

Vandas are large plants that need full sun. Ascocentrums are smaller, and need a little less sun. These come in blues, purples, whites, reds, oranges, and yellows.

These need sun, warmth, and high humidity.
Provide lots of water and fertilizer. In the summer, Vandas need to be watered daily.
Give them less water and fertilizer during winter dormancy.
Both kinds dislike repotting, and are often grown bare-root, without potting material. They can also be grown in small hanging baskets with their roots hanging out in the air.

Vanda Family

Vandas and Ascocentrums can be crossbred with closely related orchids to create hybrids. Hybrid plants combine the best qualities of both parents, and some can survive poor growing conditions or neglect. This "hybrid durability" makes them great choices for beginning orchid growers. Vanda hybrids include:

Ascocenda

Ascocentrum x Vanda, abbreviated Ascda.

Mokara

Arachnis x Ascocentrum x Vanda, abbreviated Mkra.

Rhynchocentrum

Ascocentrum x Rhynchostylis, abbreviated Rhctm.

Rhynchovanda

Rhynchocentrum x Vanda, abbreviated Rhv.

Vascostylis

Vanda x Ascocentrum x Rhynchostylis, abbreviated Vasco.