Keep Your Fingers Crossed for my Vanda...

[islacita]

Hello there

I've been gardening for a while and recently inherited an oversized vanda. Putting it in a larger basket wasn't really an option (it was in the biggest standard size) and so, I took the plunge and cut off the top. It has two nice, fat roots attached so I am hoping it will recover and live to bloom another day. The base plant does look like it is going to send out shoots... and I am trying not to have a panic attack.

Anyone ever do this before? If so, let me know your experience. What helps, what hurts, etc.

Anyway, about myself... I am a second grade teacher, married with 3 children, live in sunny, humid Florida, and am very into being 'green'. Before I started with orchids, I worked with growing herbs. I still do... I love the way my rosemary and mint smell after a good rain. I had a blast travelling earlier this month because we were in Maine and Canada (the Maritimes) and I got to see plants you NEVER see in Florida, like lilac, lupine, and I even think I saw eidelwise! LOL, funny what gets me excited.

Looking forward to learning from you all~

Isla

[Orchid_lady]

Hi welcome aboard. From what I heard Vanda's are known for taking full sun, and they are water lovers. Since you live in Florida you can leave it outside.

[islacita]

Well, so far, so good. I will post pictures if it works. The sun has been extremely hot lately... I definitely think we are experiencing some sort of climate change or intensification. We've been in a dry spell so we were glad to get some rain from Alberto.

[RalphHuber]

Originally Posted by islacita

Hello there

I've been gardening for a while and recently inherited an oversized vanda. Putting it in a larger basket wasn't really an option (it was in the biggest standard size) and so, I took the plunge and cut off the top. It has two nice, fat roots attached so I am hoping it will recover and live to bloom another day. The base plant does look like it is going to send out shoots... and I am trying not to have a panic attack.

Anyone ever do this before? If so, let me know your experience. What helps, what hurts, etc.

Anyway, about myself... I am a second grade teacher, married with 3 children, live in sunny, humid Florida, and am very into being 'green'. Before I started with orchids, I worked with growing herbs. I still do... I love the way my rosemary and mint smell after a good rain. I had a blast travelling earlier this month because we were in Maine and Canada (the Maritimes) and I got to see plants you NEVER see in Florida, like lilac, lupine, and I even think I saw eidelwise! LOL, funny what gets me excited.

Looking forward to learning from you all~

Isla

I have a Mokora that is huge something like 8 feet, the bottom part is leafless, and it really needs to be cut. However I would rather cut off my left arm...However, I have cut others, and bought totally rootless cuttings (mostly from the far east) that root very quickly. I too live in Florida, in the Orlando area. I have started trying hanging clips which fit around the base of the plant and then is tied to the upper parts to hold it up right. Plenty of water (I do it every day with a sprinkler system and high light, and you'll get plenty of great blooms.
You may want to Ascosendas, as I can get them to bloom quite frequently here in Central Florida...Good Growing! Ralph

[islacita]

Hi Ralph

Well, I probably will never cut a vanda again (too much anxiety for me!), but so far it seems to be OK. I have no idea what kind it is... strap leaf, but that's all I know. I will take your advice, and I will also look for Ascosendas! I'm in the Tampa Bay area, so our weather is just about the same.