The Waling-waling orchid
Manila Bulletin July 6, 2010,
The Vanda sanderiana, commonly called the Waling-waling, is one of the most beautiful and popular orchid species from the Philippines. It is a strap-leaf orchid species. It’s large in size and is very colorful. Because of its beauty, the Vanda sanderiana, is described as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids.” In fact, the Philippine Orchid Society (POS) uses the plant as its official logo.
The species blooms from July to October during the monsoon season, usually after three or more weeks of continuous heavy downpour. In this regard, the POS celebrates its yearly midyear orchid show every August, to coincide with the blooming of this majestic orchid.
The plant thrives in a partly shaded location as it needs protection from strong sunlight. It can be watered every other day. Its surroundings and companion plants should be kept moist to provide high humidity.
The Vanda sanderiana is potted in plastic or hardwood baskets (hanging), tree fern slabs, or in drift woods. They can also be grown in coarse brick and charcoal mixtures in pots on benches. Waling-waling plants are susceptible to sucking insects like mites, aphids, and scales. Thus, a dilute solution of Perla soap detergent must be sprayed to protect the plant from insects. During the rainy season, spray plants with dilute solution of Captan or Dithane fungicide to prevent plants from rotting due to water-borne fungal diseases.
