We’ve all been there: you spot a stunning Vanda at the garden center, covered in those iconic, vibrant blooms, and you just have to have it. But fast forward a few weeks, the flowers drop, and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever see that color again. Don’t worry! Getting a Vanda to rebloom isn’t magic—it’s all about mimicking its tropical home. Here is exactly what you need to do to get those gorgeous spikes growing again.
Find That Sunny Sweet Spot
If you want your Vanda to show off, light is your best friend. These plants are total sun-seekers, but there’s a catch: they don’t like being scorched. A bright windowsill facing south or west is usually the perfect spot. Just make sure you have a sheer curtain handy to filter that intense midday sun so the leaves don’t get sunburned.
If you really want to kickstart blooming, try moving your Vanda to a sunny balcony for the summer. They absolutely love the unfiltered light and fresh air, which signals to the plant that it’s time to produce new buds. Just keep two things in mind: first, make sure they’re sheltered from heavy rain, and second, bring them inside if the temperature dips below 60°F (15°C).
The Secret Sauce: Watering and Feeding
A great location is half the battle, but the right “spa treatment” will take your Vanda the rest of the way. If your orchid isn’t blooming, try this routine:
- The Deep Soak: Every three days, submerge the roots in a bucket of room-temperature, filtered water (or rainwater) for about 30 minutes.
- Daily Misting: Vandas love humidity! Give them a gentle misting with soft water every morning.
- Fuel the Growth: From March through September, add a liquid orchid fertilizer to your soaking water every two weeks.
Don’t Forget the Winter Care
Vandas don’t really take a “winter nap” like some other plants, but they do slow down a bit when the days get shorter. From October to February, you can scale back the soaking to once or twice a week and only fertilize once a month.
One pro tip: since our heaters tend to dry out the air in the winter, keep up with that daily misting. Your Vanda will thank you for the extra moisture!
