Vanda falcata
Vanda falcataUSDA | Grow Zone
10-12Outdoors all year in zones 10 to 12. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 50°F.
- Light
- Bright, indirect
- Water
- Every 2-3 days
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Temperature
- 65-85°F (18-29°C)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 1-2 ft tall and wide
- Pets
- Non-toxic to pets
Vanda falcata, known for its stunning flowers, is a beautiful orchid native to Asia. This plant is cherished for its vibrant blooms and unique growing requirements, making it a favorite among orchid enthusiasts.
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Ideal temperature
65-85°F is where it grows fastest. Below 50°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 1-2 ft tall and wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Vanda falcata prefers to be watered thoroughly but allows the roots to dry slightly between waterings.
Water every 2-3 days during the growing season and reduce to once a week in winter. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause shriveling and browning of the leaves.
Light
This orchid thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning.
Ideally, it should receive 10-12 hours of light daily. If the leaves turn yellow or develop sunburn spots, it may be receiving too much direct sunlight.
Soil
Vanda falcata prefers a well-draining orchid mix, typically composed of bark, charcoal, and perlite.
A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as this plant does not like to sit in water.
Humidity
This orchid thrives in high humidity levels of 50-70%.
To increase humidity, consider using a humidity tray or a room humidifier. Signs of low humidity include leaf curling and brown tips, while excessive humidity can lead to fungal issues.
Temperature
Vanda falcata prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and can tolerate brief drops to 50°F (10°C) at night.
It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-12. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 30-10-10 every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
In winter, reduce feeding to once a month. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Prune Vanda falcata after flowering to remove spent flower spikes and promote new growth.
Use sterilized scissors to avoid infection. Deadheading spent blooms encourages the plant to focus energy on new growth.
Repotting
Repot every 1-2 years or when the potting medium breaks down.
Signs it needs repotting include root crowding or poor drainage. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, and carefully remove the plant, trimming any dead roots before placing it in fresh medium.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through division or keiki (baby plant) production.
The best time to propagate is during the growing season. To propagate by division, carefully separate the plant into sections, ensuring each has roots. For keiki, wait until they develop roots, then cut and pot them separately.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Over-watering or too much direct sunlight.
How to fix it
Adjust watering schedule and ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light.
Root rot
Why it happens
Poor drainage or consistently wet roots.
How to fix it
Repot in fresh, well-draining medium and adjust watering habits.
Brown leaf tips
Why it happens
Low humidity or underwatering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and ensure regular watering.
Stunted growth
Why it happens
Nutrient deficiency or inadequate light.
How to fix it
Fertilize regularly and ensure the plant receives adequate light.
Fungal infections
Why it happens
High humidity combined with poor air circulation.
How to fix it
Improve air circulation around the plant and reduce humidity if necessary.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, increase watering frequency as the plant enters its active growth phase. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks to support new growth.
Summer
During summer, maintain high humidity levels and ensure the plant receives adequate light. Water more frequently as temperatures rise.
Fall
In fall, gradually reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Continue fertilizing until late fall.
Winter
In winter, water less frequently and reduce fertilization to once a month. Ensure the plant is kept in a warm location to prevent cold stress.
Toxicity & Safety
Vanda falcata is non-toxic to pets and children. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset.
Good to know
How often should I water my Vanda falcata?
Water your Vanda falcata every 2-3 days during the growing season, allowing the roots to dry slightly between waterings.
What light conditions are best for Vanda falcata?
Vanda falcata thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some morning direct sunlight. Aim for 10-12 hours of light daily.
How do I increase humidity for my Vanda falcata?
Increase humidity by using a humidity tray or a humidifier, aiming for levels between 50-70%.
When should I repot my Vanda falcata?
Repot every 1-2 years or when the potting medium breaks down. Signs include root crowding and poor drainage.
What type of fertilizer should I use for Vanda falcata?
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 30-10-10 every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Why are the leaves of my Vanda falcata turning yellow?
Yellow leaves may indicate over-watering or too much direct sunlight. Adjust your watering schedule and light exposure accordingly.
How can I propagate my Vanda falcata?
Propagation can be done through division or by separating keikis. The best time to propagate is during the growing season.
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