Overview
Vanda ampullacea is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Vanda, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Vanda ampullacea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1A. Suggested uses include houseplants.
About
Vanda ampullacea is a perennial epiphytic orchid found in southeast Asia from Nepal to China (southern Yunnan) and India, including the eastern Himalayas. It has had various classifications, initially called Aerides ampullacea by William Roxburgh when it was first described in 1814. It was most recently reclassified in 2012 during a taxonomic revision of Vanda. In the wild it grows across Andaman Is., Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Laos and other regions. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). It works well for houseplants. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vanda ampullacea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vanda
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
Vanda ampullacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vanda ampullacea
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insect and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds.
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial of fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vanda ampullacea?
Vanda ampullacea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vanda ampullacea need?
Vanda ampullacea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Vanda ampullacea hardy in the UK?
Vanda ampullacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Vanda ampullacea?
Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long.
More in the Vanda genus
- Vanda falcata
- Vanda Ashley Lowe gx 'Crownfox'
- Vanda Guo Chia Long gx
- Vanda Janet Kanealii gx 'George Ing'
- Vanda Madame Dinger gx 'Elizabeth'
- Vanda Motes Mojave gx 'Mary Motes'
- Vanda Rothschildiana gx 'Cedar'
- Vanda Yip Sum Wah gx