Friday, May 16, 2008

The Vandaceous Orchid for Hawaii Wedding

The Vandaceous Orchid

There are around fifty different species of Vandaceous orchids, sometimes called Spider Orchids, or Scorpion Orchids, and they also have a very powerful scent. They are grown in many different regions, some tropical, some not. They grow throughout Asia and further south to Australia, but can also be found growing in the wild in other areas with high humidity and temperate climates, such as Florida, or Hawaii. One interesting piece of Hawaiian culture revolving the Vandaceous orchid, is the "keiki", which is the Hawaiian word for "baby". Occasionally, occurring from a build up of growth hormones, and nutrients, an entirely separate plant begins to grow, attached to the mother plant. Some speculate that this baby plant is a clone, but either way, this is called a keiki. They occur off the stems, like branches, or simply beside the mother plant. They even make a paste, called "keiki paste" which can induce the growth of keiki on the plant, or a flowering branch at the very least.

Growing Vandaceous Orchids

Hawaii wedding photo by Oahu Photographer
The Vandaceous Orchid, like many others, are growing more popular all the time amongst outdoor gardens and as indoor gardening hobbies. The roots of the Vandaceous orchids should be allowed to dry somewhat between watering, so indoor Vandaceous orchid should be kept in pots with soil that supports drainage. Ideally, soil should be composed of fast drying organic material, such as fir bark, coconut strips, charcoal or tree fern fiber. Unlike other species of orchids, the Vanda requires plenty of sunlight in order to flourish, however,

when grown in ideal settings, the Vanda orchid will continue growing well for months as long as the environment is plenty warm and humid. Some species grow to be very large specimens, almost twelve feet high at the maximum. Plenty of bright light is recommended, as well as a growing area of a hanging basket.