Scientific Name
Vanda hindsii Lindl.
Common Name(s)
Native Strap Orchid, Cape York Vanda
Synonym(s)
Vanda truncata, Vanda whiteana
Scientific Classification
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandeae
Subtribe: Aeridinae
Genus: Vanda
Flower
Color: Brown with greenish to yellowish markings
Bloom Time: November to March
Description
Vanda hindsii is a large epiphytic or lithophytic orchid that forms large coarse clumps with thick white cord-like roots and up to 3.3 feet (1m) long branching stems. It has many thick, leathery, glossy, strap-like leaves arranged in 2 ranks along the stems. The leaves are up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. Between 3 and 7 brown, resupinate flowers with greenish to yellowish markings, up to 1.4 inches 3.5 cm) long and wide, are arranged on a stiff, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long flowering stem. Flowering mainly occurs from November to March.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 11a to 12b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 60 °F (15.6 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Vandas are grown in teak baskets or pots. For most household conditions, pots are best because they hold more moisture around the roots. Plants in pots should be watered just as the medium dries out, approximately every 5 to 7 days for larger clay pots. It is best to use rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water.
Most Vandas grow on treetops on ridges along rivers and prefer bright light. When growing indoors, a south window exposure is best. Vandas can be grown outside in the summer (or all year long, depending on where you live) as long as the night temperatures are 50 °F (10 °C) or above. Grow under dappled sunlight, such as a shade tree or an evergreen. Gradually they can be exposed to brighter light.
Vandas can be grown without any potting medium if provided with enough humidity. They will often be shipped from overseas where they have been grown in high humidity environments, therefore being grown bare root in the basket. Unfortunately, the ideal household does not provide enough humidity to keep Vandas growing well in bare-root conditions.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Vanda Orchids.
Origin
This species occurs in New Guinea and tropical North Queensland.
Links
- Back to genus Vanda
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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