My Vanda is dying

[Powernout]

Hi All,

About 10 days ago, my Vanda had been blooming for two weeks already. I noticed that three of the leaves above the stem of the flower were loose. A week later, I just removed 9 leaves all the way to the top, which left a poor site, although the flowers are still in bloom.

I figured there was not a moment to spare, so I cut off the flowers in order to enjoy them while they last, and then I cut the stem down all the way to where the leaves felt strong enough.

I wonder though if I should cut it down two peddles more though, as the leaves still seem to be slightly yellow at the stem.

Here are the images:
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Apologies if I get this post wrong. Tell me off as much as you want, but please let me know if I am doing right about my vanda...

[mitko]

Hi Powernout ! I`m so sorry you had to cut the top of your flowering vanda. So pity really , because the plant is very nice, big one , i like that amazing colour so much . I am afraid, however,you still have to cut down until you see healthy tissue. This yellow-brown color on top looks like infected tissue . Use sterile knife , use some high percent alcohol to sterilise the tool before the manipulation. I think you have done the best of your vanda. I wish you success !

[FLBob]

This is sad to see. Vandas are monopodial, the the disease that affected the top of your plant essentially killed the plant. Your only hope is that the plant wants to live enough to attempt to grow out of the side. Creating a new main growth. This will happen sometimes, but I don't know if there is anything that can stimulate the plant to attempt such a growth.

In addition, the cut that was made was not below the diseased tissue. If it were it would have all been greenish without any brown. If you want to attempt to see if you can recover the plant you'll need to cut down a bit further.

If it were my plant I'd cut back one leave section at a time until the brown disappeared.
I'd mix household bleach at 20% with water. I'd soak the remaining top half of the plant for 5-10 minutes. Then I'd rinse the plant. The bleach solution will kill any bacterial or fungal problem.

I'd follow the bleach soak with a soak of the entire plant in a fertilizer solution. Then hang the plant and keep it hydrated and hope. Good luck

[rcb]

totally agree with the advice given, but to add to it. As you cut down, please disinfect the blade in between cuts, if you use the same blade to cut through diseased tissue, and then cut into good healthy tissue, you will transfer the rot. Or use a different blade for each cut.

Also wanted to let you know that I had a Vanda that this happened to. I cut the stem down to healthy tissue, which only left me about 4 leaves and a little stub of a stem. But within a couple months it started two side shoots from the base, which have grown wonderfully. They are not big enough to bloom yet, but I'm hoping this summer they will be. Since you have such a great root system for it, I'm pretty sure it will do well.

[FLBob]

Renee it's always good to hear that even when something really bad happens, these plants do want to survive.

After reading and replying to this post I went out and looked at my Vandas. Can't really explain why, just felt the need.

Btw - I have two where trauma occurred to the top of the plant during H. Charlie and a side shoot has formed. So there is reason to be optimistic.

[Powernout]

Thanks people, and apologies for not writing sooner, but rest assured your advice was well received. I have cut down my vanda (sterilised) leaf by leaf until I found correct tissue. Soaked it in bleach for a few minutes and gave it a good rinse. We are now 9 days further and it seems/feels like I have at least stopped the fungus. With but 2 leaves left, my vanda is a sorry site, but I think she understands I am doing my best. It may be a few months, but if something positive happens I will be sure to let you know!!!

[kmarch]

At least you still have lots of good healthy looking roots and some viable stem left. IMHO you've given this orchid its best chance for survival. About all there is left to do is wait and watch.

[orchidlover55]

Ohhhh, reading this thread made me think of mine. I have been having trouble keeping it moist I live in Alabama and I had to bring it in 17 tonight and cold every night. I keep lots of light on it and a humidifier but it still isn't doing too good. Mine looks just like yours. I just hope nothing happens to mine. I am so sad this has happen to you I can imagine how you feel. I hope the best for your chid