Ascocenda
Ascocenda is closely related to Vanda and is cultivated in exactly the same way. This is especially true for the home care of Ascocenda.
Ascocenda grows like Vanda with pronounced aerial rootswhich spread like a sponge can soak up moisture like a sponge. With good care, Ascocenda can flower several times a year even more easily than Vanda. They are usually somewhat smaller-flowered than Vandabut have more flowers on one stem.
Special orchid care tips for Ascocenda (tubular spurge)
Cultivation in a glass vase is particularly suitable for Ascocenda. The care is much easier than growing them hanging. The glass is simply flooded twice a week up to the lowest leaf ring. Only the roots are only the roots are moistened. The water remains in the glass for half an hour and is then poured off again. Once a month, add special Vanda tillandsia fertiliser to the dipping water. The size of the glass container is always selected according to the root mass. The glass is cleaned 1-2 times a year.
This flower is so popular in Singapore that it was chosen as the national flower: the Vanda. It has similarities with the Ascocenda, to which it is closely related. This is immediately recognisable, as these two species have a similar appearance, a magnificent flowering spike and lush roots. Care is also very similar.
Vanda and Ascocenda have pronounced aerial roots that store large amounts of water. In contrast to other orchid species, these two genera must therefore be cultivated entirely without substrate. They are therefore usually seen as hanging plants, but they also look good in glass vases or wooden baskets. If you decide in favour of a container - without a substrate - you should choose the exact size according to the volume of the aerial roots and clean it once or twice a year. The advantage: the plants are very easy to water. Fill the container with water until all the roots are submerged without wetting the leaves. The orchid now needs about half an hour to replenish its water reserves. Then pour out the remaining water completely and make sure that no residual water remains in the leaf axils, as this will quickly lead to rotting. As there is no moist substrate surrounding the roots, Vanda and Ascocenda need to be watered more frequently than other orchid representatives. Dip them twice a week or spray the aerial roots daily. During the flowering period from March to November, they appreciate fertiliser in the irrigation water once a month. Only use special Vanda tillandsia fertiliser, as it meets the requirements of both species perfectly.
Getting a young plant to flower for the first time is not rocket science if you choose a specimen that will do so next year. With our young plant savings pack, you can bring home several varieties that will flower within one to one and a half years. Experiencing the moment when the first buds open is guaranteed to awaken the gardener in everyone!
Vanda and Ascocenda like it warm and humid, temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 60 to 85 per cent are ideal. They also need plenty of light, but prefer a semi-shaded spot because they quickly get sunburnt. A north-west facing window is the best place for them. If it is too dark, your Vanda will thrive, but flower formation will be inhibited. In summer, when temperatures no longer fall below 15 degrees Celsius, they also feel at home in the garden. However, they need a semi-shady spot and an acclimatisation phase during which they can get used to the changed conditions.
From March to November, Vanda and Ascocenda delight us with their beautiful flowers up to three times. Once the flower stalk has withered and dried out, it can be safely cut off. They do not need a dormant period to produce flowers, but they do need good growing conditions: A bright location with warm temperatures and a sufficient supply of water and nutrients guarantees lush blooms.