Apart from providing the right conditions one problem with some of the Vandas is that they grow tall.

I haven't got good vanda conditions apart from light but i flowered
Vasco. Five Friendships x Ascda. Peggy Foo and
Rhynchocentrum Lilac Blossom
from small plants despite cool conditions during winter.

You could also try Neostylis which should need less heat than the general run of Vandas.

Hi Arthurm,
I really am not too concerned about the height requirements. I would like to hook the orchid and hang it from my ceiling. I just wonder if the 600 watt HPS light will be too strong for it. I have seen leaf burn on some of my jades and had to move them. I have been experimenting to see what light levels some of my house plants can handle. Some of my plants cannot handle the high light while others, like my 'Penang Peach' plumeria are thriving under this light.

The Rhynchocentrum Lilac blossom that you mention are the flowers more purple or blue? Can you suggest a place to buy vandaceous orchids from? I also would like to get a deep red catt. but they are cooler growers right?
Thanks,
Andrew

Sorry, have no idea about growing under lights because my collection of orchids is "outside" all year....in glasshouses, or a shade-house or a few at various places as Garden plants.

The problem i have is not heating enclosures to that mythical temp of about 55F
(12C) minimum at night during winter.

There are some "Vandas" that do not need all that much warmth and that might be better for your culture.
Look for hybrids that have Vanda coerulea influence (many are blue)
Or Rhynchostylis coelestis such as Rhynchocentrum Lilac Blossom where the flowers are coloured as per name and are not blue.

Avoid the types with terete leaves as they are high light orchids.

Hopefully, some of the under lights growers will add to this and recommend some good orchid nurseries in the USA.

The thing about the red cats is that yes, some of the hybrids with a strong Sophronitis influence do like it a little bit cooler but there should be some over there that will grow well in general Cattleya conditions.

RF Orchids is a great vendor and you should be able to grow a vanda under your light. RF will be able to help you with your color choice for both the vanda and a catt.

Brooke

Andrew,

I agree with Brooke that your light is sufficient, just be sure to address the need for humidity also. This is where I struggle growing my vandaceous plants indoors. Either mist the roots daily (twice, 10 minutes apart) while they are inside or keep a bucket of water nearby so you can dunk (leave it soaking for 10-15 minutes) the plant every few days.

Be sure to hang that puppy outside when the weather allows.

Good luck,

Bob

I recently acquired an Ascocenda Ruth Campbell (Ascda. = Vanda x Ascocentrum) that was produced by RF Orchids. I didn't buy it from their site though. I found it at my local Lowe's. It was in tough shape but has bounced back nicely until I rotted some roots, but it's still doing well, just not as well as it could have if I had taken good care of it. This plant hasn't bloomed yet, but the picture shows a bluish-purple flower. From what I understand Ascocendas are a little easier to care for because their needed conditions are closer to that of the home than true Vandas. I am quite impressed with this plant for doing well after the neglect it received at the store and the abuse I put it through. It was my very first orchid.

Would you be interested in a Mokara?

{{gwi:141210}}

Here's my thoughts. Your light will be enough. Just start the vanda at a distance and move it closer every day. In the end it should be able to handle all the light you can give it. You want a strap leaf vanda, and yes RF Orchids is a very good vendor although pricey. Princess Mikasa are good plants to start with. Truthfully, my first was a vanda Pats Delight (this one is Pink). Carmela Orchids has that one in stock. I put it outside in the summer and under flourscent light in the winter and bloomed it every year. I did however soak it in a 5 gallon bucket of water twice a day. For a cheaper vendor and a good one try Ritters in Orlando Florida. I've even had them ship to me in the dead of winter with little problems. She also sells on e-bay. Someone mentioned Mokora's and I don't think that is the way to go for you. They get real tall real quick. What you want is something that blooms on every couple of growths.

Hope this helps.
Bob in Albany, N.Y.

Hi,
I just rec'd a Vanda orchid, cant remember the name of it. but it will bloom twice a year, and not put in any medium, I know it had something to do with the word fun or sun. it had sort of a oriental name. I got it from Orchid Fanatic, didn't think it was very expensive either, less then 17.00 dollars, they do ship to my area that is pretty cold in the winter, they include a heat pack. like tonite is going down to 19, this plant likes high light, no sun. you can see a picture of it if you go to their site, Orchid Fanatic.com mine was in bloom when i rec'd it, still is, small orange like flowers.
good luck with yours. sounds like you have quite a few.
bye for now, Carol