Unlike many other plants, you can’t just divide a Vanda orchid at the roots because of the way they grow. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you want to expand your collection! You can actually propagate Vandas quite successfully using cuttings.
Timing is Everything
Before you grab your shears, let’s talk timing. Any kind of “surgery” is stressful for a sensitive plant like a Vanda. The best time to take cuttings is right at the end of winter. This is when the plant has slowed its growth to a minimum, making it the perfect window to minimize shock.
How to Take Your Cuttings
A mature Vanda orchid will usually have plenty of aerial roots, which are exactly what you need for successful propagation. Just a quick pro-tip: always use a sharp, sterilized blade to make your cuts to keep things clean and disease-free.
To give your new cuttings the best start, you’ll want a potting mix that breathes. Get a small pot ready with a blend of peat and sphagnum moss. Then, just follow these steps:
- Snip off a non-flowering shoot that already has several aerial roots attached.
- Soak those root strands in water for about two hours. This makes them flexible and easier to work with without snapping.
- Plant the cutting about two inches deep into your prepared substrate.
- If the little guy feels a bit wobbly, use a wooden stake to keep it upright.
Once your Vanda is fully grown, it won’t actually need substrate anymore. At that point, you can even grow it in a glass vase.
Caring for Your New Addition
Find a warm spot for your cutting with partial shade—a bright windowsill that doesn’t get scorched by direct afternoon sun is perfect. For the first six weeks, go easy on the watering. Instead of soaking the soil, try misting the plant regularly with soft water.
As soon as you see the first sign of new growth, you can start using a little fertilizer. It usually takes about three months for a cutting to mature into a “grown-up” plant. Once it’s established, you can go back to your standard care routine to get those stunning blooms to pop!
