Aerides crassifolia

Description:  

Aerides crassifolia is a small to medium-sized, monopodial epiphytic orchid that thrives in cool to hot climates. It is native to peninsular Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and northeastern Thailand, where it grows in semi-deciduous and deciduous dry lowland forests at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,300 meters.

This species features an erect stem with eight rigid, thick, olive-green leaves that are oblong-ligulate and bilobed at the tips. Blooming in spring and summer, it produces up to 50 fragrant, long-lasting flowers on an arching to pendant raceme measuring 12.5 to 30 cm (5 to 12 inches) in length.

Blooming Size Plant: Yes.  *Blooming size plants- This does not mean you will receive a plant in bud or bloom. Mounted on plastic as seen in the pics. 

VANDA CARE

The Vanda Alliance comprises predominantly warm- and full-sun-loving orchids with vibrant flowers, originating from tropical Asia. They thrive in warm climates, often cultivated outdoors in light shade, such as in lath houses. In colder regions, they may be placed outside during summer and brought indoors to a sunny window during winter, or they can be grown year-round in a greenhouse. Smaller ascocendas, a subset of the Vanda Alliance, are better suited to conditions outside tropical regions.

Light plays a crucial role in blooming vandaceous plants. There are three types of vandas: strap-leaved, semi-terete, and terete. Strap-leaved vandas have broad, flat leaves, while terete varieties have cylindrical, pencil-shaped leaves. Semi-teretes are hybrids with an intermediate leaf shape. Terete vandas thrive in full sun and are ideal for high-light climates. In a greenhouse, provide about 25 to 35 percent shade, reducing it during overcast winters. Leaves should maintain a medium green color, not dark. In warm, bright climates, all types of Vanda can be grown outdoors (with partial shade for strap-leaved and semi-terete types, especially during midday in summer) or indoors (in a bright, south-facing window) during cold weather. Ascocendas are recommended for climates with overcast winters, thriving when grown outside in summer and indoors in full sun during winter, with care taken to acclimatize plants to prevent sunburn.

Most vandas prefer warm temperatures, with a minimum night temperature of 55°F. Short periods of colder weather can be tolerated if not windy. Optimal temperatures range from 60°F to 70°F at night, with a maximum of 95°F during the day. Warmer temperatures encourage faster growth but require balanced humidity, air circulation, and increased watering and fertilization. Warm and humid conditions are ideal for robust plant growth.

During the growing season, water vandas generously in the morning, ensuring roots dry quickly. Due to their extensive root systems, they are commonly grown in slatted-wood baskets or pots with a coarse potting medium. In warm, sunny conditions, daily watering is necessary, while watering should be reduced during winter or cloudy weather.

Ideal humidity levels for vandas are around 80 percent, achievable in tropical climates or with the use of evaporative coolers in greenhouses. At home, placing plants on trays of gravel partially filled with water can help increase humidity. Strong air movement is essential for healthy growth.

Fertilize vandas weekly with a balanced fertilizer (such as 20-20-20) at full strength during warm weather, or use a one-quarter-strength solution with every watering. During cooler or cloudy weather, reduce fertilization to once every two to four weeks, incorporating a high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as 10-30-20) every third application to promote flowering.

Repot vandas in spring, with plants in baskets requiring less frequent repotting unless the potting medium deteriorates. We typically do not like putting any media in the baskets as it is not needed if daily watering is maintained.  Vandas love being mounted on trees or cork bark.  For pot-grown plants, repot into slightly larger pots using a coarse medium like fir bark, tree fern, or charcoal, ensuring the plant is positioned in the center. Keep the roots shaded, humid, and slightly drier until new root tips emerge, avoiding overpotting.