🌸 Vanda testacea × Lucknow Care Sheet (Closed Terrarium Setup)
A compact Vanda hybrid blending testacea’s warmth tolerance with the colourful influence of Lucknow. An excellent candidate for bright, airy terrarium culture.
🔍 Quick Info
Type: Epiphytic Vanda hybrid
Size: Compact-medium; typically 15–25 cm tall
Flowers: Small, fragrant blooms—usually yellow or cream with blue or violet lips depending on clone
Bloom Season: Spring to autumn, multiple flushes possible
Growth Habit: Upright, monopodial; aerial root system
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Day Temp: 22–30°C
Night Temp: 16–20°C
Humidity: 60–85%
✅ Adapts well to a warm, closed terrarium
⚠️ Requires excellent air movement around roots and crown to thrive
💡 Light
Needs: Bright, filtered to high indirect light
Natural Light: East-facing or lightly shaded north-facing window
Artificial Light: Strong LED grow lights (12–14 hours/day)
✅ More light-tolerant than many terrarium orchids
❌ Direct sun will burn the leaves
💧 Watering
Roots: Water 3–5× per week in summer, 2–3× in winter
Water Type: RO, rain, or distilled water only
✅ Let roots dry slightly between waterings
❌ Avoid standing water in leaf axils (risk of crown rot)
✅ Mist or soak roots thoroughly, then allow airflow to dry
🌱 Potting & Mounting
Recommended:
Mounted on cork or hanging in open basket (ideal for terrarium)
Roots can remain bare or lightly wrapped in sphagnum for humidity
Substrate: Avoid dense media—this hybrid needs air around roots
🌬️ Air Circulation
Essential, especially in a closed system
Use USB fan or open the lid regularly (2–3× per week)
Prevents crown rot and keeps aerial roots healthy
🌿 Feeding
Fertilizer: Balanced orchid feed at 1/4 to 1/2 strength
Schedule: Once a week in growing season
Flush: Monthly with clean water to avoid salt accumulation
⚠️ Terrarium Tips
Mount or pot very openly—roots must breathe
Position high in the terrarium for maximum light and airflow
Remove old flower spikes and yellow leaves promptly
Watch for fungal spots on leaves or root tips as signs of poor airflow
✅ Best For
Bright terrariums with good vertical space and strong air circulation
Intermediate orchid growers with experience in mounted or bare-root orchids
Orchid lovers who want fragrant, compact Vanda hybrids with high visual appeal