Vanda seedling light requirements

[groundpounder17]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

I grow all my Vandas (about 75 plants) in:
3" - 4": Net pot
6" & up: Octagonal basket
but always with a spaghnum/bark mix (about 4:1). I try to water before they even approach dry, as it is difficult to rehydrate spaghnum once it dries out.

In nature, Vandas grow in regions with monsoon rains. It rains 2-4 times a day for 4-6 months. Thus, plants are doing best with fairly constant moisture.

So just as they are approaching dry I should be water? I assume root rot isn’t as big of a concern with vandas?

[Roberta]

If it drains well and has some air movement, I don't think that it is possible to overwater a Vanda. If it were my plant, I'd keep the moisture range somewhere between damp and wet. These don't like to dry out. Air is the biggie, and sphagnum in a basket (net pot) has that mix of characteristics. As it dries, more air is pulled into the root zone, but then it will be happy to be watered again.

[groundpounder17]

Originally Posted by Roberta

If it drains well and has some air movement, I don't think that it is possible to overwater a Vanda. If it were my plant, I'd keep the moisture range somewhere between damp and wet. These don't like to dry out. Air is the biggie, and sphagnum in a basket (net pot) has that mix of characteristics. As it dries, more air is pulled into the root zone, but then it will be happy to be watered again.

Thank you, Roberta. I’ve never had a Vanda or a seedling and most of my plants have always been in a bark mix, never a full sphagnum so I’m a little concerned that it will take me a while to get everything just right with the watering and light. It’s such a small plant, 3” pot, and the sphagnum isn’t packed tight, but I wouldn’t say it’s loose either. It seems to drain well. It arrived last Thursday still slightly damp, but dry by Friday so I watered it then it was just dry today so I watered it again.

I’m keeping the humidity at 65% and the day temps range 75-85 while the night gets to 65.

[Roberta]

Different genera have different watering needs... Fairorchids hit this one spot on ... in habitat, they are WET (but of course, also with roots running free) - conditions in "captivity" are going to be a compromise, but it sounds like you're doing fine with it.