Ok above, bad below, my Catts!

[Jeffery]

I think I am giving my Vanda's to much water also, I can check the net, but I prefer to ask my friends here So what do they like? are they like Phals and need to stay at least damp, or dry out some like the Catts?

[Tropicgirl]

The roots on Vandas need to be watered often but they need to dry quickly. So it really depends on how you are growing them. If I remember correctly, you have yours potted in bark, right? I wouldn't water too often, the wet bark will rot the roots if it stays wet too long. Mine are in wooden baskets, 1 has a little moss and the other has LECA, just to help retain a little moisture (I'm lazy and don't want to water more than once a day). So far, so good but haven't had any blooms yet.

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by Tropicgirl

The roots on Vandas need to be watered often but they need to dry quickly. So it really depends on how you are growing them. If I remember correctly, you have yours potted in bark, right? I wouldn't water too often, the wet bark will rot the roots if it stays wet too long. Mine are in wooden baskets, 1 has a little moss and the other has LECA, just to help retain a little moisture (I'm lazy and don't want to water more than once a day). So far, so good but haven't had any blooms yet.

Thanks Angela, I pulled 1 of my Vanada's and knew right then I was giving to much water, I water those the same time I water my Phals.
Yes I am using a fine bark and I think it stays wet longer, So what I think I need to do is let those pots dry out, then give them an every other day light shower.. maybe!! I think that will work.

[orchid-flowers]

Watering Vandas:
-they need to be watered thoroughly (spray under shower for 2 – 3 minutes, immerse roots for 10 – 20 minutes in a bucket of water (you can add some fertilizer – but very, very little)), do not wet the flowers
-do not ever water them, if roots are not completely dry (if they do not get dry between each watering, they rot)
-dry roots have white to light grey color
-well watered roots have green color with small whitish spots (they have very thick roots, so it takes some time for them to get well soaked)
-if your Vandas are potted, use large grade substrate (chunks of 1 – 1,5 inch)
-Vanda orchid roots should never be wet or even slightly moist for more then a day – day and a half or they will eventually start to rot
-remember! – Vanda is an epiphyte, so roots need a lot of air movement

[Tropicgirl]

Originally Posted by Jeffery

Thanks Angela, I pulled 1 of my Vanada's and knew right then I was giving to much water, I water those the same time I water my Phals.
Yes I am using a fine bark and I think it stays wet longer, So what I think I need to do is let those pots dry out, then give them an every other day light shower.. maybe!! I think that will work.

I would suggest letting the pots dry completely, give a good watering and see how long until it is once again completely dry. That will tell you how long you need to wait between waterings. With vanda roots it's better to be too dry than too wet.

[Jeffery]

Originally Posted by Tropicgirl

I would suggest letting the pots dry completely, give a good watering and see how long until it is once again completely dry. That will tell you how long you need to wait between waterings. With vanda roots it's better to be too dry than too wet.

Guess they were pretty wet, 2 days without water and the pots are still wet, damp!! and we are talking temps in the 90's and dry, my biggest plant has some nice roots, thank goodness for that.