Making Vandas Root?

[Angurek]

I've been growing a test group of Vandas to determine not just which plants grow best for me, but also what I've been doing wrong.

Well, I think I've found my problem. What ends up happening is that the plants will put out new leaves just fine, but they'll lose their roots gradually. The roots shrivel up from the tips up, or develop brown cracks. When watered, the said roots look yellow-green or brown, not bright green. As soon as all the roots are gone, the plant will start losing leaves, from the bottom up.

My question is, how do you make them root? They put out plenty of new leaves, but refuse to produce roots. It's as if they're suicidal or something.

[Ray]

Sounds like some sort of toxicity to me. I find that vanda roots get to be a nuisance, as they grow so well and long.

[helpmepls]

It maybe because of inadequate watering. Vandas need lots of water and moisture. I water my Vandas twice a day cos the temperature here is quite high. You can also use some kind of hormones to make them root faster. I had such problems too...Vandas with no roots...

[mollycart1]

Carl, as I started growing Vandas under the HID lights, I did lots of "googling." Here is what I learned on growing them in Pacific NW.

1. They need to be watered year around in the morning.
2. During the winter, water temparature should be between 68 - 80 F.
3. The reason of the lowers leaves turning yellow is the lack of the water during the winter.

I have had a few with less roots. As I followed the watering schedule, they started showing a sign of recovery.

Since you are in FL, the humidity should not an issue.

[Angurek]

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.

Actually, I water these things every day. I soak them for 10-15 minutes, until they're soaked. Maybe I should water twice?