Leaves on Vanda falling off rapidly

[addictedcountryman]

my vanda's lower leaves are falling off- about 4 in the last week. The stem is a bit yellow, but the roots still seem healthy. could this be from lack of humidity?

[dgenovese1]

Hi Addicted,

The two most common causes of rapid leaf drop in vandas is not enough water/humidity and cold damage, although with cold damage it is typically not just the bottom leaves.

What is your watering regime for your vandas? Have you had a recent cold snap there in Tucson?

[addictedcountryman]

I water not as much as I should, but we have also dropped to about 50 degrees at night and down to about 80 during the day. Looks like I found my problems. Thanks David.

[dgenovese1]

Hi Addicted,

From what you've indicated, I would say it's a watering issue. Vandas in general will tolerate temps to 50, and even a little below that for short periods, but watch your wind chills too.

For my vandas, I protect them from wind with the chill factor dropping below 50, and provide heat when the temp drops below 50. For watering, I do so every morning (except when it is too cold in the winter); I spray the roots until water is running off...and about 10 to 15 minutes later, I do it again. The first watering soaks the velum...the white coating that surrounds the root fiber...the second watering allows the root to soak moisture through the velum pores.

If your roots are dehydrated, you may need to water every 10 minutes until you see them turn green. maybe even 3 or 4 times, just to get things on track.

By the way, is your vanda growing in a basket with the roots hanging free? The above advice is for when the vandas are grown in this condition.

I hope this helps.