Vanda leaves are just starting to become leather like. - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #1 09-02-2011, 07:39 PM

I'm a complete newbie to Vanda's, and I haven't yet found the "right" vase to try vase culture with. So, I've had mine outside hanging in a spot that gets morning and evening sun but dappled shade throughout the day.

It is Vanda Pachera Delight (Vanda Karulea X Vanda Gordon Dillon). The plant Identification Number is (PID): HV19NBS - not that I know if that's a number they gave it or something else.

I got it right when the temperatures dipped down in the daytime from the 100's with heat indexes above 110F. When the temps were in the 90s during the daytime I would water two times generally, once in the morning and then again when I got home from work around 5pm.

It's been doing alright, until we hit this new 100+ heat wave. I'm honestly not sure what the night time temperatures were, but there for a while we were hitting the upper 60s and lower 70s for a few weeks. Looks like we're supposed to be in the mid to low 70's at night for a few days, then dip in to the mid 50s and upper 60s.

I've noticed many of my orchids are suffering from heat stress (slightly yellowing leaves) and a few phal's have started to have the leather leaf look. Now this particular vanda is doing it. As a side note, I have another Vanda, it's a coerulea and it is not exhibiting the same signs and has pretty much the same environment.

Is this heat stress or am I potentially doing something "wrong" (not necessarily my own actions like plant placement, watering, but also potentially humidity, environment, etc...) It's in a hanging basket with no media.

Thanks everyone!

nenella · #2 09-02-2011, 07:42 PM

I'm not a Vanda expert but as a general rule - 1st watch the roots.... - Do they all go a nice green when you water? - they may need extra long soaks?
- any sign of new leaves?
- I would also soak with a root stimulant ...for a boost.. As I believe that if you have good roots the flowers will come eventually as long as you have enough light etc.
If you can, post some photos you'll get alot more input from the experts on this board.

Paul Mc · #3 09-02-2011, 08:07 PM

Thank you nenella. Unfortunately, it has not progressed to a point where pictures would show it. It's by feel only.

I should point out that I just went out there and "felt up" all the leaves. Only the bottom 3 or 4 have this feeling on them.

As for watering, I stand there quite a long time giving them a good solid drench (being about 30 seconds up to 1 minute) each time. Mainly because I'm not sure how long to soak them for with the hose, lol...

There is one new leaf growth, but that was there when I got it. I'm not entirely sure if it's really growing or not. Of course, I'm just now starting to understand why people on the OB don't see flower buds until they open, lol... I've got too many to really remember anymore - or it's age, lol...

keithrs · #4 09-02-2011, 08:11 PM

Growth will slow if it under stress.

Any pics?

glengary54 · #5 09-02-2011, 08:14 PM

Paul,
With those temps, I would decrease the amount of light it is getting, morning sun is fine but afternoon sun in those temps has got to be brutal. I would even consider having someone water them during the day while you are at work. I definitely would not be fertilizing or encouraging new growth in any way, if they are indeed stressed by heat. Pictures of the plant and roots would really be helpful.

Just saw your second post, you want to water until the roots turn a light green. I usually use a fine spray rather than full on water from the hose, not that it makes a difference but it does save water.

Paul Mc · #6 09-02-2011, 08:25 PM

Oh. They turn a really dark green and it doesn't take long either. I just thought I was supposed to really soak it down. The other Vanda takes a long long time for the roots to even think about turning green.

I will take some pics in the morning. Other than the feel of the leaves, they look fine to me in comparison to the other Vanda. I will say the roots came to me with a good half a foot dead on each that was falling out of the pot. I blame that on it taking about 2 weeks to get to me though.

Paul Mc · #7 09-03-2011, 12:36 PM

As promised, I took these after I had watered so you can see the green of most of the roots, and the brown ends.

pedidiva · #8 09-03-2011, 12:41 PM

Your roots looks good.

My plants have been heat stressed, too.

Trying to wate/mist more (if needed) & control the temps/sun exposure as best I can. Can only get a 20 degree drop with evaporative AC in the sunroom.

glengary54 · #9 09-03-2011, 02:16 PM

Paul -

That definitely looks like heat stress, the plant is drying out quickly because of the heat and the plant is using the moisture in the lower leaves to respire and try to cool itself down.

I stand by my advice in my earlier post. Good Luck with it, this growing season has been bizarre for the whole country.

Paul Mc · #10 09-03-2011, 02:20 PM

Thank you everyone. I have moved it to a much more sheltered location today, which is the last day before night time temps drop into the lower 50's for about 4 or 5 nights. Whew, what a fast switch.

When we hit that switch in temperatures, I may slowly move it back to it's original position.

I'm glad to know that I was somewhat on the right track with this, being new to Vanda's and all.

Thanks everyone!