A unique species of the genus Christensonia, later included in the genus Vanda, Christensonia vietnamica was initially discovered by Czech botanist Jiri Haager during an expedition in southern Vietnam. The genus Christensonia was established in 1993 and named in honor of Eric Christenson for his contributions to the research of vandaceae species in the subtribe Aeridinae. Christensonia vietnamica shares common characteristics with species of both the genus Aerides and the genus Rhynchostylis. The accepted synonym for this species is Vanda vietnamica (Haager) L.M.Gardiner 2012
Christensonia vietnamica inhabits low areas at altitudes from 100 to 700 m in southern Vietnam, in deciduous tree forests and silvosteppe zones with a warm climate.
Monopodial growth species, featuring a stem covered with overlapping sheaths formed from the base of semi-terete leaves, arranged alternately and with a hard, fleshy texture. It blooms during the summer on short axillary stalks of about 7 cm. The flowers are medium-sized, about 3.2 cm in diameter, subtly fragrant with citrus or fruity notes.
In terms of growing conditions, it will be very close to those suitable for the Phalaenopsis genus, with light radiation intensity of 15000 – 20000 lux, and a relative humidity of 65 – 80%, with higher values (80%) when grown on plaques, or lower (65%) for pot cultivation. The ideal growing medium is mounting on bark or cork plaques.
Being a moderately thermophilic species, temperatures of 22 – 28 ℃ are preferred for daytime values and 16 – 20 ℃ for nighttime.
Normally, watering will be done every 5 – 7 days or more frequently, preferably by soaking, allowing the substrate to dry between two successive waterings. In the case of pot cultivation, the ideal way to administer water is when the roots lose their green color and become pearly.
Fertilization will be carried out throughout the year, every 2 weeks, with balanced fertilizers, with an NPK formula of 30 – 30 – 30, at 25 – 50% of the manufacturer’s recommended dosage. More diluted and frequent fertilizations are recommended.
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