Why only Vandas can grow w/o medium?

[dianecty]

Hi, everyone! I have a curious question. How come only vandas are/can be grown without a medium?

I have seen vandas grown in baskets without any moss or any medium. Why can't we do the same with other orchids? It's going to save us a lot of trouble with root rot.

Thanks.

[kavanaru]

Actually, I would say it is the most common method. Vandas need (apparently) lots of air around the roots! I say apparently, because I have also seen Vandas growing in pots with very coarse medium and doing very well too (some people have even reported them in S/H, although most reported as absolut NO for S/H culture!)

I personally have a Blue Magic growing in a mix of LECA and EpiWeb chunck (let's say abour 0.5:2.5 ratio) in a S/H pot, so that a bit of water can stay in the bottom for extra humidity between waterings. The plant is doing well so far, lots of new roots and leaves. It is growing in this medium for 6 months already, after being in S/H for 3 months and not liking it! The only thing is that if you decide for growing in (very coarse) medium, you must be more cautious with your watering pattern!