Vanda denisoniana (Lady Denison Londesborough’s Vanda)

Vanda denisoniana (Lady Denison Londesborough’s Vanda) is a medium-sized epiphytic orchid renowned for its vibrant, vanilla-scented flowers, which are especially fragrant in the evening. Blooming from late winter through spring, each flower measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and features a waxy texture with a bright orange hue, often accentuated by darker spots or lines. The lip of the flower contrasts in color, enhancing its visual appeal. The blooms are star-shaped, with wide, rounded petals that create a dramatic display. The plant’s evergreen leaves, which can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, are stiff, leathery, and have sharply split tips. Native to China and Indo-China, Vanda denisoniana thrives on tree trunks in forested areas at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,480 feet (600 to 750 meters), adapting to both hot and cooler conditions.

• Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm).
• Grows best in moderately bright light and should not be exposed to the direct sunlight of the midday sun. Provide good ventilation. The leaves should be medium green, not dark green. Dark green leaves indicate not enough light.
• Optimum spring temperatures are 62-66°F (17-19°C) at night, and 87-89°F (31-32°C) during the day.
• Optimum summer temperatures are 66-68°F (19-20°C) at night, and 80-84°F (27-29°C) during the day.
• Optimum winter temperatures are 48-50°F (9-10°C) at night, and 77-82°F (25-28°C) during the day.
• Maintain adequate humidity (80-85%) in summer, (60-655%) in winter and spring. Set the plant on a tray of gravel, partially filled with water, so that the pot never sits in the water.
• Water heavily during the active growth period. Reduce watering in late fall and water sparingly in the winter.
• During active growth, fertilize every week or every two weeks with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of fertilizer for orchids.
• Propagate by division when the plant overflows the pot.
• Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower spikes.
• Potting is necessary when the rhizome of the plant protrudes over the edge of the pot or the potting medium starts to break down. This should be done in the spring. Use a coarse medium, whether fir bar, tree fern, or charcoal, and work it around the roots. Keep shaded, humid, but drier at the roots until new root tips grow. Do not overpot.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to Myanmar, Thailand, China, Laos, and Vietnam.

Tip for reblooming

• Vanda orchids should bloom at least once a year. If your orchid does not flower, move it to a location where it will receive more light and sun. This may resolve the problem.