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Phalaenopsis
Cattleya
Oncidieae
Cymbidium
Dendrobium
Paphiopedilum
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These vandaceous plants have a
monopodial growth habit. They are strap-leaved plants having flat,
leathery leaves.
Temperature -
Vandaceous orchids grow best under warm daytime conditions of 65°F. or
higher but can withstand long spells of hot weather and short spells of
cold. They will continue in active growth anytime of the year if given
warm temperatures and bright light. Night temperatures generally should be
60°F. or higher but not lower than 55°F.
Humidity and Ventilation
- In a greenhouse, under summer sun, vigorous air movement from a fan is
important to keep leaf temperature down. It is important to restrict air
movement under colder temperatures. On hot, sunny days, at least 60%
humidity is appropriate.
Light - The ascocenda
orchid can take full morning sun but needs shade during the hottest part
of the day and during most of the day in summer. Under greenhouse
conditions with high humidity, maximum sunlight should be given with only
enough shade to keep the temperature within the appropriate range.
Watering and Feeding -
High daytime humidity is essential, especially on sunny days, and
vandaceous plants outdoors may need watering and misting several times
daily during the growing season when the sun is bright. Indoors, somewhat
less watering is required, but misting once or twice a day in bright
weather will be helpful. Water sparingly in winter, during long cloudy
spells, or after repotting. Vandaceous orchids are heavy feeders. Plants
in greenhouses should be given a solution of Peters balanced fertilizer
(20-20-20) once a week during the growing season. Outdoor plants require a
heavier concentration of the same fertilizer. During the non-growing
season, apply the same proportions every two weeks rather than weekly. In
addition at every third feeding substitute Peter’s 10-30-20 (Blossom
Booster). This is a feeding program for all year long.
Pests - Vandaceous
plants seem to have a problem with thrip. These are very small sucking
insects about 1 mm in size. Thrip damage usually occurs on the flowers and
buds, causing the blooms to lose their beauty rapidly. When thrip is a
problem, a spraying program must be adhered to as the plants come into
bud. Once the thrips get inside the flower bud, they are somewhat
protected from contact sprays. A fine spray mist should be used to avoid
injuring the tender buds. Spray young spikes and buds with a solution of Sevin
50W (carbaryl insecticide) wettable powder, following
manufacturer’s directions. Scale is another pest, use insecticides like Malathion
or X-clude. Remember that all these products are intended to kill
and should be used in the open air outside your home with caution. A light
horticultural oil, like Year Round, (not a dormant oil) which smothers bugs and their eggs is
very effective against most pests and fairly safe. Insecticidal Soap is also
effective against Scale and is reasonably safe, but it has less residual action. With
any of these products some insects, and especially their eggs, will
survive to breed again. One dose of even a systemic insecticide will not
wipe out a large population of insects totally and completely. Remember to always use any of these
products with caution and in accordance with the manufacturers label.
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