Saving Grandad's Orchids

[shakkai]

Poppy, What Sue meant by the white wrapping is the outer layer of the roots. Normally, this looks white when dry, and turns green when wet. Vandas like a lot of water, but also like to dry out quickly - this is the reason for leaving their roots bare and hanging out in the open air, so that they dry out quickly and turn back to white. They will only be green while they are wet.

Here is a link that you might find helpful posted by a grower in the UK who grew some nice Vandas:

Vandas in Glass Vases

Are all of the orchids inherited from your Grandad Vandas? Or are there other types? These may need to be grown differently. I think that your bay window sounds perfect for the Vanda - as they tend to like as much light as you can give them, and most of them also love very warm temperatures.

[cb977]

Thanks Shannen
I didn't want to use the word "velamen" but I guess I should have explained it better.

Poppy, here's a link to the word in our OB glossary:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ossary&term=76

Shannen's suggestion of you possibly using the Vandas in Glass Vases idea may be the way for you to go.

[poppy86orchids]

No, only one is a Vanda. Three are Phalaenopsis, one of which never went brown. It remained green and new 'buds' appear to be forming. It has lots of small blooms, whereas the other two Phalaenopsis are more like Phalaenopsis Hybrids. They have shorter, wider leaves, with less and bigger blooms. They have lost their blooms and the stems are now brown. Leaves still green.
I am asking people if I need to cut any of them back, but I am confused as to where! As in how far down to go. I heard at the last bloom of each spike.

[cb977]

The first Phal you described sounds like it might be a species...can you post pictures? It will help us to help you

As for the other Phals, there are two lines of thinking:
some folks don't cut the infloresence (spike) in the hopes that it will rebloom. They only cut it once it turns brown and you can tell it's never gonna get another flower on it.

Other folks, like me, cut it down close to the leaves. I think this gives the plant a chance to use all it's energy in growing new leaves and preparing for a gorgeous bloom for the next bloom cycle.

[poppy86orchids]

I have attached some pictures that look like my orchids. I'm afraid I do not have blooms on mine to take decent pictures of them.

So when the blooms are done, is it natural for most of the stem to go brown in colour?

[cb977]

It's very hard to tell from those pics

You're going to have to make a personal choice...

leave the spike and hope for a new bloom?
or
cut the spike and let the plant put as much energy as it can into new growth and a new bloom on the next cycle?



Once the spike turns brown, you'll know that there is no new bloom forthcoming and you should cut it down.

[poppy86orchids]

Sorry, I'll borrow a camera and snap some of the condition they are in at the moment. Thought the images might help with the breeds of the actual orchid.
The Hybrid that stem has turned brown I have now cut down to a few cm above the leaves. I'll leave the others for now as the are still a bit green. Do you know how far down a Vanda should be cut?

[cb977]

Once the vanda drops it's last bloom, you can cut the spike as close to the base of the leaves as you can get without damaging the leves

[poppy86orchids]

Ok, I did took the bull by the horns and did the Vanda. Also did the two Hybrids that are now brown. Now I'll wait and see!
I'm continuing to mist the Phalaenopsis and two Phalaenopsis Hybrids every 2-3 days.
The Vanda, I soak for about 15/20 mins every morning. Hope that's right.
I'm only feeding the Phalaenopsis that is getting ready to bloom again. Will attempt photo's tonight or tomorrow.

I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone. It is such a relief to just talk it over with someone! And you've all been so friendly. I feel quite dumb with the questions I need to ask!

[Becky15349]

Don't feel dumb for asking questions, that is how we all learn! Actually, just so you know, I had a vanda I bought in August and I killed it accidentally (repotted it into a different media type and then put it in the direct sun, I clearly was on a different planet at the time and not thinking clearly!!) and this post is making me want to get another vanda!! They really are special - and worth the extra effort

You'll be ok w/ the phals, they are tough as nails - just remember not to overwater and you'll be fine. Always err on the drier side of things as opposed to keeping them too wet...this is a general rule of thumb with most orchids.

When cutting spikes, I usually cut it down and leave about an inch exposed. That way, there is less of a wound for possible infections and whatnot. You'll see, it'll just turn brown and get hard, so just ignore it

Good luck with them, you sound like you genuinely care about them and that is great!! You'll do very well