Do I have a Vanda or a Ascocenda?

[Petalsofsugar]

Hi All:

I bought a very pretty plant last Friday at Wal-Mart of all places and I was just wondering if you could tell me which I have. And if there is any differance in culture. This plant is under 12" tall and has semi-cylindrical leaf and the flowers are only about 2" wide. I would add a picture but your form doesn't like my picture for some reason. Any way they are bright orange flowers with red dots. I sure would like any info. thanks.

Julie in Iowa

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Your plant is a semi-terete Vanda, a cross of a Vanda or an Ascocenda with a plant like Vanda (Papilionanthe) teres or hookeriana or maybe one of the lesser know terete Vandas. I assume there wasn't a label or you would have given us the name. These are generally high light and warm growing. If you do not have good high humidity, you might want to grow this plant in medium light with your Cattleyas. Cynthia

[philliptan]

Does it look similar to this?
http://www.firstrays.com/Pictures_or...le%20AMAOS.jpg

(You can't post links to pics or URLs until you have 15 posts)

[Petalsofsugar]

Phillip, mine looks just like that. Couldn't see the leaves but the flowers are the same. Nice to know what the background of this Vanda is. Thanks so much for the info.

Julie in Iowa

[philliptan]

That is an Ascocenda. Care is same as Vanda. Lots of light and humidity.

[ScottMcC]

Ascocendas are hybrids of Vanda x Ascocentrum. There are several other genera in the vandaceous alliance with very similar appearances too.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hybrid vandaceous plants with orange blossoms and some spotting.

Therefore...it is safest to say you have a vandaceous NOID.

Assigning the exact name is unimportant and probably impossible. What is important is classifying the plant roughly (such as terete-leaved, etc), so as to provide the proper conditions. Within the vandaceous alliance, most of the plants need quite bright light, warm temps, high humidity, and frequent watering with quick drying of the roots and excellent root aeration, along with heavy fertilizer. The terete-leaved (tubular leaves, like a pencil) vandas are the exception, requiring even more light than other vandas.

If you google "terete leaves vanda" the first two links you find will give you more details.