Although we say we're potting a Vanda, we are using that term loosely to refer to any vandaceous orchid. This would include Ascocentrum, Aerides, Renanthera, Rhynchostylis, and any other genera allied to Vanda, or hybrid combinations of them. In general, this refers to an upright growing monopodial orchid with strap-shaped leaves.

You may occasionally find small vandaceous orchids in pots at commercial orchid nurseries, but once they're big enough they are put into a 4" teak or cedar basket . Slatted baskets are preferred for a Vanda, so its thick aerial roots may ramble freely. Smaller plants are moved to larger baskets when the roots begin to cover their container. Large plants are usually moved to a new basket when there is a significant amount of stem that has no live roots. Soaking Vanda roots in tepid water for 30 minutes before potting makes them more pliable and easier to manipulate into their new home. Potting vandaceous orchids often requires more ingenuity than know-how. The primary objective; anchor the plant firmly in a new basket until it becomes established. What may shock some newcomers, is seeing that many growers of these orchids use no medium, just an empty basket. Provided it is given ample water, a Vanda will grow beautifully in an empty basket. Depending on your growing conditions, you may want to add some pieces of charcoal or tree fern chunks to the basket.