Epic Vanda Spike Fail?

[birdwomn]

A few months ago, I got my first Vanda - a rescue from Lowe's and asked your advice about it after I dunked it (because I didn't know any better) because it was so dried out.

Well, it recovered nicely thanks to your advice and was growing roots like crazy and a few weeks ago, I saw what I thought was a spike. I was so excited! I could not wait to see the blooms in a few months and have been very careful to watch for thrips and other pests each day.

Now, it looks like the spike has died.

Can anyone provide information or advice as to what may have happened and how to avoid this again?

I am very new to this and am learning as I go - so feel free to correct any ignorance I may be displaying here.

[Keysguy]

You are correct. That spike has blasted.
I have never had that happen to me but my suspicion leads me to any one or combination of ; thrips, spider mites, significant temperature shift (rapid +/- 10%+ change).

Looks like you are growing in a shade house so assume you are in south somewhere?

[birdwomn]

Thanks for the response. I am in West Central Florida near the coast. No shade house, just a screened porch/lanai. We did have several rainy days where it was unusually pleasant, so perhaps it was the temperature change from the normal humid heat. It could have been pests, but I have been VERY careful to check and spray every day.

At least the plant is healthy enough to grow a spike, right? I guess I should cut it off and wait for the next one.

[estación seca]

Thrips are almost microscopic and are common in Florida. I think that's your issue. Motes recommends spraying just the spike weekly with a pesticide from the time you first see it.

Bigger Vandas that lose spikes frequently make more right away, so you might get another chance.

[birdwomn]

Thanks for the info! I have been spraying daily with alcohol per a local orchid grower. What pesticides do you recommend?

[estación seca]

Alcohol kills the bugs it touches but not the ones that walk on a half hour later.

I don't live in Florida so I don't know what people use. Why not call Motes Orchids and ask?

[Ray]

Alcohol, especially applies when the plant is warm from sunlight, can also cause spikes to last.