Description

🌿 Botanical Type

• Genus: Vanda — large, showy orchids highly prized for ornamental blooms.

• Hybrid Type: Cultivar (Kultana Violet/Blue-Violet) — developed for intense violet-blue flowers with a relatively large bloom size compared to some Vanda crosses.

• Usually sold as a hybrid plant rather than a botanical species, with precise parentage often proprietary to growers.

🌱 Plant Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Monopodial — a single upright stem with leaves growing in two opposite rows.

• Leaves: Long, strap-like, firm green leaves typical of Vandas.

• Root System: Thick aerial roots that absorb moisture directly from air — may be grown bare-root or in a very open medium like bark.

💡 Tip: Vandas have photosynthetic roots and benefit from bright light on the roots as well as the foliage.

🌸 Flowers

• Color: Violet-blue to deep violet, often with intricate shading or tessellation.

• Bloom Size: Flowers are typically large for a Vanda hybrid (8–10 cm across, depending on specific cultivar).

• Blooming Frequency: With proper care these plants often bloom more than once per year.

• Fragrance: Most Kultana hybrids are not strongly fragrant — focus is on the rich flower color and form.

☀️ Light & Temperature

• Light: Bright, intense, indirect light is best. Avoid scorching midday sun that can burn leaves.

• Temperature: Prefers intermediate to warm conditions — generally around 18–30 °C.

💧 Watering & Humidity

• Watering: Needs frequent watering — roots should be thoroughly wetted and allowed to dry slightly before re-watering.

• Humidity: High humidity (60 %–80 %) promotes healthy growth and flowering.

• Ensure excellent air circulation around roots to prevent rot.

🌿 Growing & Potting

• Vandas prefer bare-root or open bark basket culture to allow airflow to roots.

• Avoid heavy, water-retentive media.

• Fertilize regularly during active growth (balanced orchid fertilizer weekly).

📏 Size & Habit

• Mature plants typically produce multiple aerial roots and can reach significant height, especially when mounting or basket-grown.