Comb Vanda Plant Care

Comb Vanda (Vanda lamellata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Vanda genus. Comb Vanda is native to the Japanese Ryukyu Islands (Uotsuri-jima), southern Taiwan, the Philippines, the Mariana Islands, and northern Malaysian Borneo.

Comb Vanda displays an epiphytic, monopodial orchids growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Comb Vanda produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various hues.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Comb Vanda every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Comb Vanda thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Comb Vanda in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Vanda lamellata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Comb Vanda prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Chunky orchid bark mix with charcoal and perlite for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Comb Vanda to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Comb Vanda every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and chunky orchid bark mix with charcoal and perlite for good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Comb Vanda is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Comb Vanda can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Comb Vanda while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Comb Vanda is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Comb Vanda can be propagated through division, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to vanda orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Comb Vanda is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Comb Vanda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Comb Vanda is native to the Japanese Ryukyu Islands (Uotsuri-jima), southern Taiwan, the Philippines, the Mariana Islands, and northern Malaysian Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Comb Vanda as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.