Climbing Vanda Plant Care

Climbing Vanda (Vanda scandens) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Vanda genus. Climbing Vanda is native to Mindanao island and Palawan Island in the Philippines.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Climbing 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.

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

Vanda scandens tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Climbing 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 Climbing Vanda to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Climbing 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.

Climbing 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.

Climbing 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 Climbing 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.

Climbing 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.

Climbing 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.

Climbing 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.

Climbing Vanda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Climbing Vanda is native to Mindanao island and Palawan Island in the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Climbing Vanda as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.