Vanda Help

[tanira2]

Hello,

I was given a Vanda as a gift ( im not too sure what one but it is a dark purpley blue colour) originally it come in a vase (that was so tall it covered its leaves) which i have been told is not right for it. So i have been trying to find a good vase which the basket can rest in and the roots can be in the bottom of.
I am having a problem finding a good vanda vase and was unsure if theres a place where you can get them from?
Also some of the roots are about half a meter long, these are obviously too long to fit in a smalish vase but i am frightened to trim them as i don't want to damage the plants roots.

I would be greatful of any advice given

[tom499]

I have two Vandas in vases, and i had a similiar problem.

What I've done is use some garden wire to hook round the basket, and round the vase rim so that it can hold the plant higher up in the vase.

I would leave the roots alone

The roots on mine are starting to reach the bottom of the vase, once this occurs no water must sit in the bottom of the vase.

To be safe, in the evening after watering, tip out any excess and it will be fine. If you water them in the morning it should have dried by night anyway

[tanira2]

yeah i admit im not keen on touchign the roots. but the vase i have now for it well its about 1.5 meters so i am trying to get a new vase for it.

thanks for the advice

[digitalgate]

sorry friend , you need update your detail. Different country different advise.

[fred]

tanira2
as we have members from all over the world with different growing conditions could you please go into your User Setting and update your Profile with your Location.
As this will help us with giving you the right advice

thank you

[kmarch]

Vandas being grown in a vase!?!?!?!? Can someone post pics of this please?

[jerrymeola]

Vanda do not like to have their roots covered.

I have seen some grown in water but it is an uncommon practice.

Vanda like to be watered once or twice a day and dry out in between. I can not imagine how you can keep it alive in a vase.

Those long roots were the result of frequent watering with the roots hanging down. It did not grow in the vase.

It is a poor choice for a beginner orchid.

[tom499]

I've mentioned such culture before

Vase Culture

This picture is very old, the moss is gone, and the brown thin roots have been cut off.

I have two Vandas in this culture, both has since grown almost as fast as in summer with full sun and greenhouse conditions.

The roots were small when I had them in baskets, but since giving them vases they've come on great.

I mist the roots in the morning, and fill the vase with water then empty every few days, using fertiliser once a week or so.

This is a very popular technique in Europe, and has been past on to parts of the USA I believe. it works for alot of Vandaceous orchids which would otherwise only grow well in baskets.

[pikevi]

(tanira2) :Where does one get a vase that is 1.5m high?

Thanks.

[digitalgate]

the vase will help to retain moisture. What is used in the greenhouse might be different
from your own home. If your green root turn white after 2 days, your plant might need
less water or may be it does not like to be soaked in water. Let the root grow new green
or brown root with green tip before you increase your frequency of watering the plant. If
the green root turn white again, may be increase the number of days before you water
them again. By then you have become an expert in vanda.
I would suggest you leave the moss in the vase but not touching the root.
Make sure you dont let mold grow on your moss , that will create more problem if your
humidity is too high. Since Vanda like to dry out in between watering. The roots will rot
if water stay on root for too long.

Remember ,in my area , i only water once a day sometime no watering at all
My humidity is 80 to 100% depend on the weather. you might need more water than
me.

[tanira2]

Quite a lot of vandas are grown in vases as stated before it keeps in the humidity in, in dryer countries. i was just worried about the roots being so long
This isn't my first orchid i have a few but its my first Vanda!

(tanira2) :Where does one get a vase that is 1.5m high?

i'm not sure where you live but this one come in it from the whole saler my friend got it from, But you can get them around though they are very expensive around £77.00 but then again it was a expensive garden centre so you may be able to get them cheaper.

I have now got wire around the basket and put it higher in the vase it seems to be ok in there. i have also moved it so its closer to the window which will hopefully help humidity if i spray the roots daily.

Thanks for all of your help

[tanira2]

Also i am sorry for the delay in updating my profile have been off line for a while