My new orchids

[dinkidi01]

OK so I had a few orchids before and have had success with them.They were Phals, Dends and Oncidiums all pretty easy. I have recently discovered buying orchids on E Bay and have really lost my self control!
I have purchased some Vandas and Catts as well as some oddballs but my main concern is the Vandas. All of my orchids are outside, most are under an arbor that has a roof over it. The arbor gets western sun in the morning and some filtered evening light. I water almost every morning right now and sometimes twice a day as everything seems to dry out pretty fast ( I am in St. Pete Fl and it has been dry!) but a few of the Vandas seem to have slightly shriveled leaves, mainly the strap leaf variety. Some have only been here about a week and all were in baskets when they arrived. I often try to mist these guys 2-3 times a day, I am setting up a mister system under the arbor where they are. They get morning sun until about 10:30 and then bright light the rest of the day. The Catts seem to be thriving under these conditions but I am not sure if the Vandas are happy. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated as to how to deal with these guys. Oh most of the ones in baskets have extensive root systems and some are showing new root growth............Thanks, Missie

[jerrymeola]

Vandas suffer in our Florida heat. I personally do not think daily watering is enough for a Vanda.

My recommendation is to place the Vanda in a bucket of water for 5-6 hours a week in addition to daily watering. I do not believe you can over water a Vanda. I have left them in a bucket of water for two days quite often when they have been stressed. Add fertilizer (20-20-20) at the rate of a teaspoon per gallon and your solve two problems at once.

I do not think you are getting them enough light to flower. I have had great difficulty in flowering Vandas in my lanai which is south facing even though they were in full sun all day. (Lanai screening has a 70% shade factor) I moved them to my pasture where they get direct sun all day. It is on the outside of the shade house so full sun no shade until 1-2:00 and about 35% shade in the afternoon.

Vandas suffer when moved and shriveled leaves are common. As long as you are seeing new roots I think everything is OK.

[dinkidi01]

Thanks Jerry,
I will try all of the above. I actually have a lattice fence that I can hang them on where they will get more sun. I put them out there yesterday while it rained and I think I will just leave them there. Would some of the ones without such extensive root systens do better potted in clay pots with a vanda mix?
I actually do the bucket method with most of my guys once a week, even though every where you read they say do not let them sit in water it seems to do my guys a world of good...............Missie