Vanda Orchid throwing new stems

[Chrisd]

Hi all. I have 4 vandas and am fairly new to them. They are all doing really well but one of them has decided to stay throwing a new stem from the heart of the base of the original stem. That's been growing for about a month when today I noticed yet another new node indicating another new stem starting to grow from the other side of the original stem. It's this normal? None of the other are doing it and I was wondering if it meant the original plant is having some issues and trying to ensure its survival by throwing new stems. I'm assuming eventually they will have roots of their own and I can carefully remove them I'm just wondering if this is normal behaviour and if I can expect my other vandas to do the same thing

Sorry if it's a silly question and thanks in advance for your replies
Chris

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

Not a silly question at all! (In fact, there is no such thing...) Depending on the species in the background of the plant, some just do tend to make clumps. Not a sign of problem. As long as the both the main growth and the new growth are healthy, it is best to keep them together - and you'll get a better display since both parts of the plant can bloom. Actually, even if the main growth fades, I'd keep them together - they pretty much share a root system, and together they are stronger than they would be separately even if you could separate a piece without damage (likely difficult to do) So just enjoy a robust plant!

[K-Sci]

I agree with Roberta.

What vanda is it?
-Keith

[Chrisd]

Thanks so much for your replies I figured it might just be the species, I was just concerned there might be main stem damage that was not visible from the outside. It's a Vanda Adisak Happiness 'Korat. That's all much as I know about her. I just got it online from a local Orchid supplier. I must admit I'm happy to have one that will clump and should create a really nice display in the future.

[Roberta]

It is a complex hybrid - I think it's just doing what comes naturally. In fact, if it forms a clump more than just getting tall and rangy, so much the better! I found a photo, I think it will be a beauty.

[Chrisd]

She's definitely a pretty one, o can't wait for it to mature and see her when all 3 stems are mature enough to bloom. I'm rather excited now. Thanks so much for your replies and assurance. I have found with all 4 of my vandas they each have their own preferences for humidity, temperature, placement etc and as a beginner it's been an enjoyable learning curve. So glad I found this forum, no doubt I'm going to have many questions on the future.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Good growing!