| Vandas crave water. The grower in the Keys retained water on the plant when it was young by putting medium in the basket.
I know a number of growers that do this and I know others that want their roots to be completely free. I personally have been hanging my vandaceous species on a wire hanger without the basket. I like the display better like this. It is all personal.
I regard orchids solely by how the new growth is doing. And yours sounds fine. The plant has adapted to your environment and growing conditions. The dead roots and stem at the bottom are not necessary for the plant and all plants discard old growth when it is no longer necessary.
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jerry  |