10 Vanda Coerulea Care Mistakes That Kill Your Orchid (Avoid #7!)

Vanda Coerulea, also known as the Blue Vanda, is one of the most breathtaking orchids, prized for its vibrant blue flowers and long-lasting blooms. However, many growers unknowingly make fatal mistakes that stunt growth or even kill this delicate beauty. If your Vanda isn’t blooming, has shriveled roots, or looks weak, you might be making one of these common mistakes. Avoid #7—it’s the one that even experienced growers often overlook!

1. Using the Wrong Potting Method

Mistake: Growing Vanda in soil or traditional orchid potting mix.

Vanda Coerulea is an epiphytic orchid, meaning it naturally grows on trees, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air. When planted in soil or dense potting mix, its roots are suffocated, leading to poor aeration, rot, and ultimately, a dying plant. Unlike terrestrial orchids, Vandas rely on constant airflow around their roots for survival, which makes using a traditional potting medium one of the biggest mistakes a grower can make.

✅ Fix: Keep Vanda bare-root in a hanging basket or a slatted wooden box. This allows its roots to breathe and absorb moisture effectively.

2. Not Providing Enough Light

Mistake: Placing Vanda in low light, leading to weak growth and no flowers.

Light is the key to successful Vanda blooms, and low light conditions can prevent your orchid from flowering altogether. Many growers assume that bright indirect light is enough, but Vanda Coerulea actually requires intense, filtered sunlight to thrive. A lack of sufficient light results in elongated, weak leaves, and if prolonged, can even stunt the plant’s overall growth. If you want your Vanda to bloom, you must mimic its natural habitat where it grows under strong light exposure.

✅ Fix: Provide 5,000–7,000 foot-candles of bright, filtered sunlight. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use a full-spectrum grow light.

3. Inconsistent Watering Routine

Mistake: Overwatering or letting the roots dry out completely.

Vandas have thick, aerial roots designed to absorb water quickly, but they also dry out faster than potted orchids. Many growers make the mistake of watering too much or too little, which can cause serious issues. Overwatering suffocates the roots and leads to rot, while underwatering causes dehydration, making the roots shrivel and die. The key is maintaining a balance where the roots are consistently hydrated but never left sitting in excess moisture.

✅ Fix: Water daily in warm climates or every other day in cooler months. Roots should turn green when wet and return to silver-gray as they dry. In hot weather, mist the roots several times a day to keep them hydrated.

4. Ignoring Proper Humidity Levels

Mistake: Growing Vanda in dry air, causing root dehydration.

Vandas are native to high-humidity tropical regions, meaning they require constant moisture in the air to thrive. Many growers overlook this factor, especially in indoor environments where air conditioning or heating systems create dry conditions. Low humidity levels can cause the roots to dry out too quickly, leading to poor water absorption and stunted growth. Without enough humidity, your Vanda will struggle to develop healthy leaves and flowers, making it more susceptible to stress.

✅ Fix: Maintain 60-80% humidity around your orchid. Use humidity trays, misting, or a humidifier to increase moisture levels. Grouping plants together also helps retain humidity.

5. Neglecting Air Circulation

Mistake: Keeping Vanda in a stagnant environment, leading to fungal infections.

Good air circulation is often overlooked, yet it’s crucial for preventing fungal diseases and bacterial infections in Vandas. Without adequate airflow, moisture lingers on the leaves and roots, creating the perfect environment for mold, rot, and pests to thrive. Many growers mistakenly place their orchids in stuffy corners, enclosed spaces, or poorly ventilated rooms, which leads to slow growth and an increased risk of disease outbreaks.

✅ Fix: Place your orchid near an open window or use a small fan for airflow. Avoid overcrowding with other plants. Never leave wet leaves overnight—moisture on foliage invites disease.

6. Fertilizing Incorrectly

Mistake: Over-fertilizing or using the wrong type of fertilizer.

Fertilization is essential for Vandas, but many growers either overdo it or neglect it completely. Over-fertilization can lead to burned roots, salt buildup, and chemical stress, while a lack of nutrients causes weak, stunted growth. Additionally, using the wrong type of fertilizer can deprive your orchid of the necessary balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed for strong root and flower development.

✅ Fix: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Feed weekly during active growth and reduce in winter. For better absorption, soak the roots in a weak fertilizer solution for 10 minutes instead of just spraying.

7. Failing to Adapt to Seasonal Changes (Most Overlooked!)

Mistake: Treating Vanda the same way all year.

A common mistake among growers is maintaining the same care routine throughout the year, even when temperatures and humidity levels change. Vandas are highly sensitive to seasonal variations, and failing to adjust watering, fertilizing, and light exposure accordingly can stress the plant. Many growers struggle with bloom cycles because they don’t account for the natural dormancy periods of their orchids, which affects their flowering schedule.

✅ Fix:

• Spring & Summer: Increase watering and fertilizing as growth peaks.
• Fall & Winter: Reduce watering and feeding since growth slows down.
• If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring your Vanda indoors to prevent cold damage.

8. Forgetting to Check Root Health

Mistake: Not inspecting roots, allowing rot to spread unnoticed.

One of the biggest advantages of growing Vanda bare-root is that its roots are always visible, making it easy to check for health issues. However, many growers fail to inspect them regularly, leading to unnoticed root rot or dehydration. When roots become mushy, black, or overly dry, the orchid’s ability to absorb water and nutrients is compromised, resulting in stunted growth and leaf loss.

✅ Fix: Check roots weekly for signs of rot or dehydration. Trim dead or damaged roots with sterilized scissors. If rot is present, soak roots in a fungicide or hydrogen peroxide solution to prevent further damage.

9. Keeping It in a Small Space

Mistake: Growing Vanda in a cramped area, restricting its natural growth.

Vanda Coerulea is a large, spreading orchid that requires ample space to grow properly. Many growers try to fit it into a confined area, which prevents the roots from fully expanding and receiving proper airflow. A cramped environment can limit growth, reduce flowering potential, and make the plant more prone to stress-related diseases.

✅ Fix: Hang Vanda in an open area with plenty of vertical space. Make sure its roots can dangle freely—they shouldn’t be crammed inside a container.

10. Not Repotting or Refreshing the Basket

Mistake: Leaving Vanda in the same mounting setup forever.

While Vandas don’t require frequent repotting, their baskets and mounting materials deteriorate over time. Many growers forget to check their orchid’s support system, and an old, decaying basket can lead to root damage, poor stability, and hindered growth.

✅ Fix: Refresh wooden baskets every 2–3 years to prevent decay. If roots become too tangled, carefully transfer Vanda to a larger hanging basket.

Caring for Vanda Coerulea can be challenging, but avoiding these mistakes will help your orchid thrive and bloom beautifully. If your Vanda isn’t flowering or growing well, check if you’re making any of these errors and adjust your care routine

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanda Coerulea