Vandas

by Motes, Martin R., Ph.D.; Hoffman, Alan L.

• ISBN13: 9780881926637
• ISBN10: 0881926639
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: Timber Pr

Summary

Modern vandas are the most spectacular of all cultivated orchids, offering a kaleidoscopic range of colors and often blooming six times a year or more with flowers lasting up to eight weeks. This survey by a longtime Florida grower emphasizes the practical aspects of greatest interest to those working with the living plants in their greenhouses and gardens.

Author Biography

Martin Motes, ph.d., is an award-winning hybridizer and internationally recognized expert on vandas. He writes frequently for orchid publications and is sought after as a speaker to horticultural groups and symposia. He resides in Homestead, Florida.

Table of Contents

Preface	9	(4)
Acknowledgments	13	(2)
Chapter 1: The Discovery of Vandas and Their Introduction to the West	15	(8)
Chapter 2: The Botany of Vandas	23	(16)
Chapter 3: A Brief History of Vanda Hybridizing	39	(10)
Chapter 4: Euarithe sanderiana and Its Influence	49	(12)
Chapter 5: The Golden Heritage of Vanda dearei	61	(10)
Chapter 6: Unraveling a Rainbow: Our Modern Pink Hybrids	71	(8)
Chapter 7: Vanda coerulea and the Blues	79	(10)
Chapter 8: New Directions in Vanda Breeding	89	(18)
Chapter 9: Vanda Culture	107	(10)
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide for Vanda Culture	117	(4)
Appendix B: Species in Vanda	121	(6)
Glossary	127	(2)
Bibliography	129	(6)
Index of Botanical Names	135

Excerpts

Vandas achieved prominence later than any of the major horticultural genera of orchids. But the last 40 years have brought an increasing sophistication in their culture. Growers in both the tropics and more temperate areas have mastered the requirements of these plants, and many impressive specimens have been displayed and awarded. The skills necessary to grow vandas to a high degree of perfection are unfortunately still the property of a relatively small group of growers. Luckily, vandas are very tolerant plants and easily grown in a fairly rough-hewn way, repaying even moderate attention with an elaborate show of flowers. This inherent vigor makes vandas rewarding even for the novice grower. On the other hand, no other genus profits as dramatically as vandas from a more rigorous culture. Poorly grown plants produce flowers not recognizably the same as the identical plant grown well. The success of certain growers in obtaining large numbers of awards and trophies is largely a reflection of their sophisticated skills in growing vandas. Attention to detail is the key to growing vandas that fulfill their potential. In terms of their culture, vandas share numerous similarities with genera such as Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobium. They also have numerous significant differences. Like Phalaenopsis, vandas have no bulbs for long-term water storage, and grow more or less continuously from a single growth point. Unlike Phalaenopsis, Vanda roots must have periods of drying. This latter trait, shared with cattleyas and dendrobiums (albeit to a lesser extent), reflects an adaptation to bright, airy natural environments. Understanding the special requirements of vandas is not difficult for experienced orchid growers, once the unique character of these plants is grasped. Vandas will tolerate, and perhaps even seem to thrive upon, a slightly improper regimen (one, for example, that might best suit a Phalaenopsis). But once a grower has seen them reach the summit of their potential, he or she will never be satisfied with less. Luckily, vandas are by nature cooperative, vigorous plants. The goal of good Vanda culture, in both tropical gardens and temperate greenhouses, is simply to reproduce the conditions that naturally create this robust growth (and, if possible, to exceed nature). Vandas that are kept stress-free and uninterrupted in their growth produce flowers of such superlative quality that those who have seen them are no longer satisfied with the productivity of other orchid genera.