vanda question

[myorchid]

Hi,

I have a vanda noid that is currently in a 6 inch pot with large media. I have had it for 7 months and it is putting out nice new growth. It looks and feels like the roots are pretty pot bound.

I would like to know if it is OK to take it out of the pot, media and all and just put it in a basket?

Any help would be great. I will snap some pictures of it later tonight and try to get them posted.

Thanks again!

[E-Jag]

Myorchid,
Yes, you can. The better idea, though, might be to take it out of the container and leave it out, roots exposed. They make hangers just for this purpose. Lot easier to deal with, from my perspective. They require a lot of light, a ton of water and are a little touchy about having their roots buried in medium. A lot of folks here do grow them in slatted wood "baskets" with great success.

____________________
E-Jag

[kmarch]

Some folks (Cynthia for one) have great success growing vandas in pots. I think it is important to carefully consider the growing conditions before deciding to grow a vanda potted or root-exposed.

It is true that many folks grow their vandas in baskets with no mix, and even on coat hangers and other wire hangers with no pot and in no medium. These methods of growing however usually require frequent soaking and misting as vandas appreciate a fair bit of water and they like humidity.

If you can give high humidity and frequent watering then bsket or wire hanger culture might work well for you. If not, ask Cynthia, our forum moderator for advice on successfully growing vandas in pots.

[myorchid]

Cynthia,
I would like your opinion on my question. I have the vanda in a southern window with additional light. It sits in a pot above gravel with water for humidity and I also have a tray of gravel with water on the window sill for humidity.
It has put out nice new growth. I am OK keeping it in a pot, just not sure if I should take it out of the pot its in and repot to larger or what. I think vandas don't like to have their roots disturbed.

I don't think in my area that it would do very well out of the pot.

Thanks!!