New to Vanda's - Looking for Advice!

[LittleWatty]

I've had Phals for about three years now, but I've just recently ventured into the realm of the Vanda orchid. I saw a Vanda Sansai Blue, and immediately knew I had to have one. I was planning on getting one on my own, but my sisters surprised me and got me one for my birthday this weekend.

The orchid itself was purchased from a very reputable source (Waunakee Orchid Center aka Oak Hill Gardens). I have purchased a few Phals from there before, and have seen how they keep their plants, so I know they do their best. However, I do have some concerns.

Some of the older leaves are rather blotchy. If I'm remembering right, some viruses tend to look like this when an orchid is afflicted. There are also several blackish brown spots on various leaves, not sure if its normal or something to be concerned about. Also, is it common for roots/spikes to split leaves? It has happened at least twice with this orchid, one via root, one via spike.

The location this Vanda was purchased from also had a 6 foot (yes, 6 foot) Vanda Sansai Blue. My sisters were told that mine could get that big, if I increased the pot size every repot or so. If this is the case, do Vanda's not lose their oldest leaves like Phals do? Also, if this is the case, will the roots stay growing at the level they are, or will they creep up the plant as it grows taller? The bottom few leaves are really disgruntled because of thick roots growing at the level of the leaves. Just curious if this will be a consistent problem as it grows taller.

Another big question I have has to do with color... I really wanted to get my hands on one that has a more blue than purple color. When my sisters picked this one up for me, they asked about the blue flowers. Apparently they were told that it will "turn" blue, but I have no idea what that meas. Does it mean that as the plant gets older, the flowers will turn blue-ish? Or as the flowers age (within one bloom cycle) do they turn blue-ish? Or will the color forever remain purple? (not that I'm complaining, just would have really liked a blue-ish orchid)



Considering I have never owned a Vanda before, any and ALL tips are welcome! I already know they require more light and humidity than Phals, so I have it in a west window (middle of winter here, so not much light but its the best I've got) and I take it into the bathroom when I shower in the mornings. I've also started it on a fertilizer regiment with a mix of 30-10-10 and 7-7-7 (half dose of the first, single dose of the second). That's the best I will be able to do in terms of getting close to a 20-20-20 fertilizer, since I don't have any and can't find any because of the season.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

...Some of the older leaves are rather blotchy. If I'm remembering right, some viruses tend to look like this when an orchid is afflicted.

It could be the result of a viral infection, but I'm leaning towards it being cold damage, idk.

Try ordering a virus test kit. One company that sells one is Agdia.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

There are also several blackish brown spots on various leaves, not sure if its normal or something to be concerned about.

These are the reasons I suspect the blotchy leaves were caused by cold damage. The spots themselves will not do major harm. Most of the time it doesn't go beyond what you're observing if the problem is corrected. It just looks unsightly, that's all.

However, if there was ever an unconfirmed suspicion that there is a viral infection, I'd advise testing the plant to see if it really does have a viral infection.

Should it have a viral infection, unfortunately, it must be destroyed, not just thrown out in the trash. Let's hope it's not something you have to do.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

Also, is it common for roots/spikes to split leaves? It has happened at least twice with this orchid, one via root, one via spike.

I wouldn't say that it's common, but it has been known to happen. In other words, sometimes the roots or spikes do split the "leaves", (technically, it's splitting the petioles), but it doesn't always happen - in some individuals, it is more commonly encountered, while in others it may not happen at all.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

The location this Vanda was purchased from also had a 6 foot (yes, 6 foot) Vanda Sansai Blue. My sisters were told that mine could get that big, if I increased the pot size every repot or so.

The plant will get that large if you grow it properly. It is not dependent on the size of the pot they're in. However, it will take years for yours to get that tall. They usually put out 1 - 2 leaves a year, sometimes 3 or 4 leaves, if they're growing well.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

If this is the case, do Vanda's not lose their oldest leaves like Phals do?

Yes, Vandas do shed older leaves.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

Also, if this is the case, will the roots stay growing at the level they are, or will they creep up the plant as it grows taller?

The roots will eventually grow along the stem of the plant little by little. Not all the roots will be concentrated at the base of the plant throughout the life of the Vanda.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

The bottom few leaves are really disgruntled because of thick roots growing at the level of the leaves. Just curious if this will be a consistent problem as it grows taller.

Yes, it will.

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

Another big question I have has to do with color... I really wanted to get my hands on one that has a more blue than purple color. When my sisters picked this one up for me, they asked about the blue flowers. Apparently they were told that it will "turn" blue, but I have no idea what that means. Does it mean that as the plant gets older, the flowers will turn blue-ish? Or as the flowers age (within one bloom cycle) do they turn blue-ish? Or will the color forever remain purple? (not that I'm complaining, just would have really liked a blue-ish orchid)

I'll leave this for someone who has owned a V. Sansei 'Blue' and bloomed one out to answer. I currently grow Vandas, but I don't think V. Sansei 'Blue' was ever one I've grown before. I think the closest I got to the hybrid you own was V. Princess 'Mikasa' (blue).

Originally Posted by LittleWatty

Considering I have never owned a Vanda before, any and ALL tips are welcome! I already know they require more light and humidity than Phals, so I have it in a west window (middle of winter here, so not much light but its the best I've got) and I take it into the bathroom when I shower in the mornings. I've also started it on a fertilizer regiment with a mix of 30-10-10 and 7-7-7 (half dose of the first, single dose of the second). That's the best I will be able to do in terms of getting close to a 20-20-20 fertilizer, since I don't have any and can't find any because of the season.

I grow my Vandas potted in medium to large grade fir bark, so I don't know how to properly advise on growing in a basket, (assuming you are using basket culture). I always failed growing Vandas in a basket. I succeeded with growing them in a pot, (plus, many of the varieties I own stay relatively small).

Intermediate to warm temperatures (55 F - 95 F). Part of the reason that this plant can handle temperatures down to 55 F is due to V. coerulea.

I don't know how bright it really is in your west window, so I have some difficulty advising, but if you own Cattleyas and are able grow them there, then you should be ok with the Vanda.

I think I should let you in on something...

Not all Vandas grow bright. I own a V. lilacina that burned badly in bright light when I first acquired it. I used to think that all Vandas grew bright, but now I know this is not the case with all Vandas, only some. V. lilacina grows in moderately bright indirect light.

Your Vanda does grow bright, however.

[LittleWatty]

Its actually not a basket culture, but is in a pot. Ceramic, and has large grade bark (unknown species)

I'm going to guess cold damage vs. the virus. My sisters don't really know a whole lot when it comes to orchids, and it was left in the car when it was about 20F outside. I'm amazed it didn't drop its blooms within a few days because of that, but you won't catch me complaining.

[tucker85]

Your vanda looks very healthy to me. The spots on the leaves are probably fungus. Fungus is always a problem with vandas. I spray mine with a fungicide every month. I don't see any signs of a virus. In fact virus is not all that common with vandas. Roots growing through the leaves is very common and there's nothing you can do about it so don't worry about it. If your environment isn't perfect there's a good chance you'll lose some of the lower leaves. That's very common. The roots will continue to grow higher on the plant. Vanda roots can be very unruly. Vandas need a lot of light and moisture. Give them at least cattleya light and more if possible. Good luck.

[silken]

I just acquired my first Vanda a few weeks ago and it happens to be a Sansai Blue as well. Not in bloom like your lovely one but it has bloomed at least twice before. So I will be happy to follow this thread and learn something too.

Do lots of people have success growing them in clay pots? I've seen this one offered for sale like that. I bought mine bare root and put in a plastic net pot with some little cubes of rock wool to help moisture but think I will replace that with bark or coco chunks. I like the clay pot idea but wanted to hang mine this summer and the clay pot would make it too heavy to hang from where I want it.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I've grown Vandas in clay pots before. It can work, you just have to be mindful of your watering, or get a well ventilated clay pot. Sometimes, because many clay pots are not properly ventilated for growing orchids, it can cause some issues with root damage.

[Bud]

Relax, I dont think you have a major problem with your Vanda.
It just needs cleaning and washing with soap. Then spray it with hydrogen peroxide to rule out fungi and bacteria; do this once a month. Once you have done this; refrain from wetting the leaves= cold droplets tend to give leaves dark spots. I use paper towel to dry the leaves if I happen to wet it. I understand why you want perfect folliage; it takes hard work to attain that.
The clay pot with coarse mix is true to your grow zone. Basket or a mount wont do because it is cold and dry in your zone and Vandas need warmth and humidity. I have additional electric heater and a portable two gallon electric humidifier with oscillating fans.
*There is no such thing as a blue Vanda(its just a term to describe the blooms). They are either bluish lavender or bluish violet=which depends on the way you exposed it to light(more light gives it a pastel like tinge and darker light gives it darker coloring of the petals)....the lip always remain the same color.

Vanda coerulea(see posted pictures in my profile) is the closest you can have to a blue Vanda and I have three variations = I have yet to see them produce blue flowers

[LittleWatty]

Ok, good washing and hydrogen peroxide spray once a month. Got it. I never realized fungus was a big problem with Vandas, but now I know! When I mist my plants, I usually try to get some of the water on the leaves as a source of humidity... but I also don't use cold water. Its room temp, at minimum. Same as when I actually water my orchids. If I don't spray the leaves, how else can I keep the humidity up? I don't have anything to make a true humidity tray out of, or is just taking it into the bathroom while I shower enough?

I knew there was no such thing as a true blue orchid, but I wanted one that was as close as I could get, which is why I wanted this kind of Vanda. Just the fact that they said it would "turn" a blue-ish color, I had no idea what they meant.

[Bud]

I also bring my bigger Vandas in the shower with me for hot steam ....but I make sure I let them drip dry before I replace them to their window position....a tiny droplet with a little sun serves as a magnifying glass to burn a dark spot on leaves....

your Vanda have pencil thick roots and a large one broke the base of a leaf to get moisture....trust your instincts....your plant is thriving=just follow the Baker's Vanda culture online....you will never go wrong
maybe this summer or when the nights are in the 60's you can bring the plant outdoors in the shade to feel the humid summer and bright shaded light....if it gets a heat wave to the 100's then spray it in the morning and in the late afternoons....

find a good watering regimen for your plant ....when my Vandas got established in my apartment, I just water it every other day in winter and bring it outdoors in the summer and hose-mist-spray it every morning

[LittleWatty]

I would put it outdoors in the summer, but I'm in an apartment building with no deck/patio, and I don't trust my neighbors with my new baby. And some of those roots are bigger than pencil thick... XD I only just got it, though, so it was that happy back in the orchid garden. If they continue that size, then I'll definitely know its happy!