Sick vanda orchid - Page 2 - Orchid Board

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #11 10-21-2010, 02:28 AM

Just pot the plant up how you would a normal plant.

In fact, for now don't even try and remove the plant from the basket it's in. Just remove the wire hanger.

Make sure that the pot is not too much larger than the root mass itself, or there may be problems with root rot.

If you're not sure if the pot you have is too large or not, just take a picture of it and post it here. Make sure there is a point of reference in the photo and not just the pot itself. The best point of reference would be a picture with the root mass of the plant next to the pot, or the roots inside the pot.

Wet the roots thoroughly and carefully place the roots into the pot with the basket. By wetting the roots, they become more pliable. If the pot you're putting the orchid in is clear, try placing some of the roots out towards the inner surface of the pot so that when you put the bark in, some of the roots will be exposed to the light.

Some people like to soak their bark or boil it prior to use. It's up to you whether you want to do it or not. I don't have a problem recommending this practice, so go ahead if you like.

Fill the pot with large grade bark.

It is not recommended that you sit the plant in a saucer of water. Any portion of the roots that end up sitting in water for a day or more, is sure to bring about root rot.

Just water and let the pot drain.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #12 10-21-2010, 02:34 AM

Here's a link to how a Vanda grows in the wild:

Vanda? | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

This should give you an idea of what you're dealing with.

There is another picture of a Vanda growing in the wild that is excellent, as you get to see not only the vegetative portion of the plant, but the flowers, and the roots. But providing the link is proving a bit difficult.

skeenski · #13 10-21-2010, 05:59 PM

So just find a fertilizer that has no urea basically, right?

What do I do with it when I am going to be gone for 4 days? how do I keep it alive?

Linda

skeenski · #14 10-21-2010, 06:31 PM

I posted a picture of a container and the Vanda next to it in the Gallery. Will this work? Do I need a bigger pot?
Just poke holes in the bottom so it will drain well, right? Thanks Linda

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #15 10-21-2010, 07:48 PM

It'll work.

Poke holes on the bottom and the sides.

I have pics posted of my Vandas if you'd like to see.

They're on someone else's thread called "New Vanda and Cattleya need help".

skeenski · #16 10-22-2010, 12:45 AM

I put it in the pot and put bark below it and around the roots and under the basket to support it. I was very careful. I hope I did not break off any roots. Will have a neighbor water just the roots for me while I am gone.

Thanks Linda

silken · #17 10-22-2010, 01:05 AM

Make sure it isn't touching your southern window!

skeenski · #18 10-28-2010, 01:36 AM

It was touching it. How close should it be to the window. I have lost all of the beautiful flowers and it is dying more every day. Going to lose this beautiful plant makes me so sad. Don't know what to do to make it happy for sure. Linda

silken · #19 10-28-2010, 01:10 PM

No-one one has mentioned the possibility of pests yet. Have you checked for spider mite, scale etc? Spider mite (and scale for that matter) can kill a plant quickly. I myself have never had mealy bugs but I think they would be quite easy to see as they look like white cotton fluff. Spider mite can be near impossible to see without a magnifying glass. They love it where it is warm and dry. Check for very fine webs on the underside and crotches of the leaves. They can usually be found on the underside of the leaves and if you mist the leaf, it can set them to moving which makes them easier to see then. You can also use a white tissue to wipe the leaf and see if any mites are on it. If you find these, you should treat it soon as they are very destructive. There are miticide sprays out there and some people use neem oil or insecticide soap. Mites are different from other insects and the spray has to say miticide to be really effective. The leaves of a plant infected with spider mite will starting looking bleached out and with tiny fine white pin pricks on the surface.

As far as your plant touching the window. I don't grow Vandas but know that they like a lot of light and warmth. If the leaves feel warm to the touch when the sun is on them, it is likely too much. Moving back just a bit from the window (6 inches) should help. A plant that is stressed, cannot photosynthesize as effectively so should not be given as high of light levels until it recovers. Your pictures show a new leaf at the top so there is still hope for it. I would definitely check for pests if you haven't already since you seem to be misting and watering correctly. Keep us posted and good luck. I hate losing a plant and I know how you feel.

skeenski · #20 10-28-2010, 02:51 PM

I wiped the leaves inside and outside and saw no sign of anything that moved.

I hung it in a different window on the south with lots of light.
Leaves look like they are schivelling up. The new leaves have been there since I got it but have not grown at all. Almost all of the leaves are turning yellow. I have only fertilized it once. I have to see if I can find fertilizer without Urea in it still.

I paid a ton of money for this orchid I don't want it to die I have tried everything.
How do I increase it's humidy I know we are dry here. Will a spray bottle of water help it but it I can't spray leaves what good will it do?

Thanks for trying to help me. Linda