- How is the substrate-free orchid watered?
- When and how to fertilize a blue orchid?
- Is a cut allowed on a Vanda coerulea?
With a Vanda Royal Blue you will experience your personal blue miracle on the windowsill. This unique rarity from Mother Nature's realm is easier to care for than its extravagant appearance would suggest. Read here how to water, fertilize and cut the Vanda coerulea and its colorful hybrids.
The more purple Vanda coerulea is called the blue orchid
How is the substrate-free orchid watered?
Since the blue orchid is also cultivated without soil, like its conspecifics, the watering can is not part of the maintenance equipment. Rather, the motto is: Dip instead of pour. How to do it right:
- Immerse a blue Vanda in filtered rainwater at room temperature for half an hour every 2-3 days
- Make sure that no water remains in the leaf axils and heart of the plant for a long time
- Furthermore, spray daily with lime-free, lukewarm water
In winter, please adjust the water supply to the reduced light and temperature conditions.
When and how to fertilize a blue orchid?
During the course of their summer growth and flowering period, your azure flower beauty will gladly accept an orchid fertilizer every 14 days. Please only use a special liquid fertilizer, since standard flower fertilizers (€1.95) are too salty. The concentration specified by the manufacturer is also halved. Just add the nutrients to the immersion water. Fertilization every 4 weeks is sufficient during the winter dormancy period.
Is a cut allowed on a Vanda coerulea?
Your blue orchid will not be pruned as such. Rather, a cut into green parts of plants will cause significant damage to your delicate Vanda. Only withered, drawn-in leaves and flowers are plucked out. Only cut off a flower stalk when it has completely died. The use of meticulously disinfected knives and scissors is mandatory. Dust the cuts with rock dust or cinnamon to prevent infections and pest infestation.
tips
If you come across a deep blue orchid in the supermarket, there is a high probability that it is a colored Phalaenopsis. A Dutch breeder succeeded in turning a white butterfly orchid blue using a patented method. Unfortunately, the splendor does not last long, because the colored orchid blooms again in pure white at the next flowering time.