Went to World Orchid Conference

[vreffect]

Hi Folks,

I'm from Singapore and recently went to the 20th World Orchid Conference. Bought a pot of orchid, I think its Vanda but not sure which is the correct name
Not too sure if its easy to keep and cultivate it

[Fishmom]

Hello, vreffect, and welcome! There are many friendly people here who would love to share information with you. When you have made 5 posts, you will be able to insert pictures into your posts, so make some comments on different threads and then let us see you new plant; we love pictures! Meanwhile, here is a link to the American Orchid Society site. If you click on the link to Vanda, you will find a wealth of culture guidance. Have fun!
AOS Culture Sheets

[vreffect]

Oh! Thanks for the quick reply!! I will do that right away. Yes I need to hit the 5 post before I can post my new plant, Ha!

[brianb]

Where are you growing, outside in a garden on a balcony or indoors.

[1joyceh]

Hi vreffect!
welcome to the forum

[vreffect]

Hi, it will be by the hanging by the windows

[vreffect]

Originally Posted by 1joyceh

Hi vreffect!
welcome to the forum

Thank you!

[vreffect]

Here the pic

[brianb]

Not a good plant to choose for indoor growing. Vanda's need lots of light and humidity. Yours is a strapped leafed Vanda that needs less direct light but still good light. Do you have a balcony so you can get it outside.

[vreffect]

Hi,
thanks for the information.

Yes. I have balcony and with direct morning light and till noon.
Humidity is very high over here, about 80%

What about watering? Does it need regular watering? Thank you

[1joyceh]

vreffect, what a great photo!! beautiful orchid, and gorgeous background!!

[brianb]

Yes, get it hanging out on the balcony, morning sun is fine a little more indirect sun in the afternoon would be an advantage. Try painting your balcony walls white to get reflected light. Hanging in a basket the roots will need a good water misting in the morning and evening. If very hot just after midday also. They like to feed well so apply 21-21-21 fertilizer at a rate of 1teaspoon per ltr per week. Every fourth feed use a fertilizer with low nitrogen high phosphorous .

[rcb]

All a Vanda needs to grow and bloom well is the right combination of sunlight, water and food and temperature.

If you can supply it's needs for sunlight, temperature, water and food inside your place, then it can be grown inside - and some people are able to grow Vandas well inside, even in the Great White North of N. America.

I would suggest you read the culture sheet Fishmom gave you the link to, see how it pertains to the area you think would be best for your lovely new plant, and ask any specific questions you may have on the culture.

Welcome to orchid growing!

[vreffect]

Thank you all!! Will read more on it and will be getting more orchids

[brianb]

Vreffect,

Whereas rcb quoted the four main factors to ensure growth of Vandas, the fifth important factor, air circulation, was missed out. There is no doubt that if these five factors are satisfied, your Vandas will flower for you anywhere, perhaps even in Alaska. The important issue is can you create the required environment indoors. I believe that you cannot. Whereas the AOS culture sheets are "interesting" they are just a guide, they cover too wide an area in the US and in huge varying conditions. In my view they are not specific enough for growing conditions in the tropics.

I do not believe that there is any substitute for local knowledge. In Singapore , in the tropics, the majority of hobbyists grow on balconies in high rise flats. Get it out there in and as near to it's natural state as possible.

On this forum the most knowledgeable Singaporean hobbyist is Digitalgate. If he is following this thread he may wish to comment.

Balancing the factors rcb has quoted is in my view too difficult in an average Singapore flat. The majority of hobbyists in Singapore grow in high rise apartments, some with natural light others less fortunate with artificial light. To the best of my knowledge most grow on balconies.

My view is that, if you intend to be involved in orchids beyond your current plant, that you should;

A) Get down to the Botanical Gardens Library and purchase 1) "Orchid Growing In The Tropics" by the Orchid Society of South East Asia and/or "Brighten up your life with orchids " by the late Eric Simon of KL Malaysia.
Both deal with the tropics specifically and each has a section on growing Orchids on balconies.

B) Join the Singapore forum GreenCultureSingapore. It has an orchid section and the majority of it's members grow in high rise flats and are both knowledgeable and generous with their information.

C) Join the South East Asian Orchid Society which will cost you S$50 per annum. We meet the first Sunday of each month at the SBG. A high percentage of our members grow high rise , naturally or under lights.They are free with their growing advise.

D) Vandas are not easy to grow, as Eric Simon states in his book mentioned above, and I Quote, " It is recommended that beginners stay away from them, unless they take it upon themselves as a challenge."

From your photo, it looks like a plant purchased from one of our local suppliers, perhaps Song Orchids. If still in good shape, I would be inclined to take it back and have it changed out to a plant more suitable to your growing conditions, perhaps a Cattelya. If they know of your interest your future customer base might well be of interest to them.

Brian b

[digitalgate]

expose the plant to the rain, it will keep the plant healthy since it is raining season. However, this plant can't handle full sun light. It will need some form of shade from the afternoon sun. Morning sun it good for the plant.

[vreffect]

Thanks Brianb for the info and tips!! My area is quite windy and I left it in the open for good wind circulation too . I brought from a thai store at the 20th WOC

Digitalgate, yes, currently it is having morning sun and away from shade during the afternoon as currently the afternoon sun do not shine directly and its shady during the hot afternoon.

will expose it to the rain during the day.