Potting media for Vanda Falcata

[aparnamane]

Hi OB,

I noticed some dehydration on my Vanda Falcata which I received pottered traditionally almost 2 years back and in bloom, it was doing good in the same setup, and didn't rebloom but now its been a little dehydrated so I unpot it and noticed all the roots in the moss are dead but the areal roots are good in shape.
Wondering what would be a good potting media, I was thinking of putting it in semi-hydro with LECA or Lava rock.
I have another Vanda Falcata, which is mounted and even flowered in last June. It is doing well; just need to water frequently, so considering mounting it as well.

Please let me know your thoughts/suggestions.

Thanks.

[Roberta]

Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata, when potted in the traditional moss mound, needs to be repotted every year (and be sure to include the air space in the middle). There are videos on the technique, some details that are not obvious from the outside. So to maintain that aesthetic takes some extra effort.

I grow mine in baskets (plastic or wood) with bark or very loosly packed sphagnum, and grow them hanging. I end up with long and wild roots. So, totally different than the traditional approach, I grow them like little Vandas (which they are) and they seem to like that.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata, when potted in the traditional moss mound, needs to be repotted every year (and be sure to include the air space in the middle). There are videos on the technique, some details that are not obvious from the outside. So to maintain that aesthetic takes some extra effort.

I grow mine in baskets (plastic or wood) with bark or very loosly packed sphagnum, and grow them hanging. I end up with long and wild roots. So, totally different than the traditional approach, I grow them like little Vandas (which they are) and they seem to like that.

Hi Roberta,

Thanks for your reply.

The basket sounds good.
Does it still need to refresh media every year in the basket?



Thanks

[Roberta]

When it's in the basket, should not need to change the medium - the roots will escape, there is plenty of air (which is the critical part). As the sphagnum breaks down, it just gets less water-retentive (turns into a bunch of strings). Or you can use bark. Vandas like lots of air around their roots.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by Roberta

When it's in the basket, should not need to change the medium - the roots will escape, there is plenty of air (which is the critical part). As the sphagnum breaks down, it just gets less water-retentive (turns into a bunch of strings). Or you can use bark. Vandas like lots of air around their roots.

Hi Roberta,

Thank you so much, appreciate the detailed information.

I am inclining toward a basket, I think I will go with it as my other Neo is doing good on stick mount and flowered as well.


Thank you.