Question
-------------------------Thanks for the reply - I live in Georgia now. I see you are in San Jose. I grew up there ('63 -'76) Almaden area. I have been growing orchids in my bathroom and the humidity and bright light (not direct) seem to make them happy. I also brought back Vanda Orchids. They look like pencil cactus. Do you know anything about these?
Followup To
Question -
Can you tell me anything about the care of bamboo orchids? How do they perfom as houseplants? I brought 3 back from Hawaii. I know they are a terrestrial orchid. They were also growing wild around the volcano crater which makes me wonder if they have some special soil requirements. Thank you
Answer -
Hello Jean,

I'm not very knowledgeable about bamboo orchids but from the little I know, they are fairly easy to grow.  

Plant them in a good garden potting soil and keep them slightly moist throughout the year, with more frequent waterings when it is actively growing.  Do not keep them too wet or the roots will rot so allow the soil to become barely moist then water it.  Feed them a good balance-type fertilizer once or twice a month once you see new growth appear until the leaves die-off.  Don't be too concerned about the leaves falling off as most bamboo orchids are deciduous (dormant period).  When the leaves fall off, cut back on the watering to where the soil stays barely moist.  Every 2 years or so, it would be a good idea to repot them into fresh potting soil when they are dormant.  

You didn't mention where you live but the main thing to consider in growing it is to place it where it will get good sunlight, enough to make the leaves a light to medium green color.  Temperatures should range between 55 to 85 F with some light air movement around them and humidity above 50%.  

By the way, I believe the proper name for bamboo orchids is Bletia striata.  There are a number of different colored Bletia around, with flower color ranging from purple to completely white.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.  

Answer
Hi again Jean,

No, I'm afraid that I don't know much about vandas.  About the only thing I know is that there are a lot of different types with varying growing requirements from moderate to very warm temperatures.  Try taking a look at the American Orchid Society web site (http://www.theaos.org/), click on Orchid Information, General Information then Culture Sheets and scroll down to Vanda.  

Hey, we almost were neighbors!  I live in the Blossom Valley area near Branham Lane and Pearl Ave. (do you remember the local geography?  LOL)  Who knows, our paths may have crossed "way" back then.  Have you been back here since?  If not, you might be surprised at all that has changed - like a lot more people!  San Jose is approaching 1 million but if you include the surrounding cities (Campbell, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, etc.) the number is closer to 3 million.  I'm really glad I'm retired and don't have to fight the rush hour commute traffic!!!  (grin)  

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.