Another Vanda question

[Tmai]

One of my vandas (Mokara Chark Kuan Orange) arrived with only two large roots, both of which were pinched or creased about six inches from the stem. She lost four or five bottom leaves right off the bat and several of the lower leaves look dehydrated. I've finally gotten her stabilized by soaking daily and flushing or misting a couple of times a day. She does have new leaf growth but no new roots, and that is what concerns me. The part obove the root crease is green, everything below it stays brown, even after soaking. I use superthrive in her bath every couple of days or so. Should I trim the brown dried roots or leave them? Should I add bark or moss to the basket to help retain moisture? She gets 2-3 hours direct morning sun hanging at the edge of the porch eve, where she gets rainwater also. Where will the new root growth occur? Off the existing roots or from the stem? Thanks for your help!

Tmai

[jerrymeola]

New root growth will probably come from the stem higher up, but you can get root branching on the old roots.

It is not necessary to remove the cracked part pf the root but it will probably not hurt the plant either.

Vandas have a tendency to grow leaves faster than roots.

I would not do anything different then you are doing. Mostly they need very high levels of water, even when they have not been damaged.

In a couple of months I would increase the light levels. They can take full day sun. Mine have gotten full day sun all summer here in Florida.

[Tmai]

Thank you, Jerry! I was wondering about giving it more sun, too. I will wait a bit and keep up the water. On closer inspection I found a green "knob" poking from the stem through the lowest leaf axil. I think it may be a new root!

Tmai