Vivi's Orchid Corner

May / June 2001 - Volume 6, Issue 7

"Ascocendas"

Dear Orchid Friends:

Ascocenda is one of the three genera of Vandaceous orchids; the other two genera are Vanda and Ascocentrum. Ascocendas are an intergeneric hybrid genus between Vandas and Ascocentrum (Vanda x Ascocentrum = Ascocenda) and are abbreviated Ascda. These orchids flower frequently...much more so than Vandas.

The vandaceous orchids are beautiful, colorful platter orchids.. and I like them all. I am drawn more toward the Ascocendas since they tend to be free-flowering. Ascocendas generally are smaller in size than Vandas, more compact, which makes them suitable if space is limited. Ascocendas are monopodial. Their growth is centralized from the crown with upright stems. They are strap-leafed plants; forming a v-shape in the center where the leaves attach.

The Ascocenda Su-Fun Beauty ’Orange Belle’ AM/AOS is my favorite of the Ascocendas.

There are several varieties of Su-Fun Beauty. By far, the most magnificent is Ascocenda Su-Fun Beauty ‘Orange Belle’ AM/AOS. This orchid produces vigorous orange blooms lightly dusted with reddish speckles. Flowers have a ‘sparkling’ quality. This orchid provide dazzling jolts of color throughout the year.

Ascocenda Su-Fun Beauty produces flowers despite neglect. I presented a friend with one such plant several years ago. My friend has a green thumb when it comes to houseplants, but has a more difficult time with orchids. She hung the orchid in a tree… and promptly forgot about it. Even today, she marvels at how much her Su-Fun blooms despite her lack of attention. This is a great orchid for novices living in warmer climates. You’ll like it’s compact nature.

TEMPERATURES: Ascocendas like warm, humid temperatures and are extremely tolerant of hot weather. Because these orchids hail from tropical Asia, Ascocendas do not like temperatures less than 50 F. These orchids grow well in intermediate to warm environments.

LIGHT: Light is important for growth and flowering. Ascocendas need strong light. In areas such as South Florida, do offer protection to your Ascocendas from the mid-day sun during those torrid summer months.

WATERING: Ascocendas like plenty of water. When the climate is hot and humid, water vigorously, especially on sunny days. Ascocendas may need water every day in those summer months. During winter months or cooler weather, less frequent waterings are needed. Ascocendas can dry out quickly, so monitor your watering schedule throughout the year to prevent them from becoming desiccated. Air movement is a key factor in their health. Ascocendas do not like to remain wet.

FERTILIZER: Ascocendas are considered heavy feeders. A good mixture is a 20-20-20 fertilizer weekly when in high growth periods. Cut back on fertilizer in cooler months.

FLOWERS: The flowers of the Ascocendas are smaller than Vandas… generally the size of a quarter. Flower spikes are upright and bear multiple, closely placed flowers. Ascocendas bloom several times a year (especially late winter through summer) and are extremely hardy plants.

Ascocendas are colorful, prolific bloomers and flower in nearly every season. You are sure to enjoy these heartwarming beauties.

Vivi