Hydroton and Vandas

[peeper]

Hello

I just got a vanda for Christmas, My first Vanda, and it's a Pachara Delight! Yay!! I'm so excited!

However I'm wondering is it possible to to a vanda basket with the roots surrounded in Hydroton? And if it's a good idea, how would I pot it, leave the roots hanging? Or can I surround the roots in the basket with the Hydroton?

Thanks in advance!

[Bud]

I have my pachara in a glass vase that I drilled holes in...and I was thinking of S/H method but changed my mind...I just put it in that media and water it every morning...it's spiking...I will post pics soon

[peeper]

Please do! How did you drill holes in the glass?? I think I would break it.

[Ray]

unless you grow in an extremely hot and arid environment, I don't think semi-hydroponics is particularly good for vandaceous plants.

Using LECA in a basket, on the other hand, is actually pretty good. I line the basket with a coarse mesh, and poke the aerial roots through the mesh and between the basket slats for adding the pellets.

[peeper]

So then in that case, I leave the roots hanging? Only the base of the plant and the new root growth will be in the medium?
Right?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by peeper

So then in that case, I leave the roots hanging? Only the base of the plant and the new root growth will be in the medium?
Right?

Yep, and any new roots that grow will likely stay in the medium (for a while, anyway).

No matter what, vandas put out roots all over. that's just part of your adjustment when you grow them.

[peeper]

Thank you! I love the roots, that's part of why I wanted one so bad, the blooms are just a bonus! I didn't want to hide them completely.