Help with vanda x2 - Orchid Board

tanira2 · #1 12-12-2007, 05:38 AM

Thank you for every one that helped with my last question, but i have a slight problem.

I was told to put it in a diffrent vase wich alloud the leaves to spread out (so they were not in the vase like in the original pictures how it was given to me).

After buying a vase which i thought would be big enough i come across a problem, some of the roots are over half a meter in length and are at the top of the little basket (which have also been growing upwards around the plant) so trying to put them into a vase without bending (and hopefully not breaking them) is a difficulty they are rather woody and thick. I could put them in a large bowl shaped vase but then they would not keep the humidity in very well unlike the ones i was shown on here.

Is there anything i should do like cut away the basket its in so the roots fall straight down? or do something with the roots?

And is there a good place to buy a vase or something appropriate for it? a jam jar would be way to small it needs to be something around 16-17 cm to fit the basket in at the top.

Thanks again for any advice im very greatfull.

Buds! · #2 12-12-2007, 07:50 AM

Hi tanira,
I had the same problem as you when I tried to put my second vanda in a vase- the roots!
I also managed to crack a brand new vase because I was forcing the basket into the neck of the vase, I could have hurt myself!
Anyway, after throwing away the vase, I tried two different shaped plastic containers and I have settled on this one in the photo- one with the narrow neck.

Plastic is easier to work with and you can also melt holes in it (holes are made by heating a big nail or screw).
I also used a plastic chopstick as a stake- don't use wooden ones, they get mouldy.
I basically just 'wired in' my vanda to the top of the container (large energy drink container from hubby), I did cut the basket to fit. In your case it is a bit difficult to cut the basket because of the roots.
You should trim the leggy roots shorter, but leave the ones in the basket alone.

I think I will be putting all my future vandas in plastic containers, it doesn't look as good as glass, but it is easier to manage, mount and lighter in weight.
My vanda is putting out new roots just after a few weeks!
I am waiting patiently for flowers!

I hope this helps.
All the best and keep us posted!

Buds!

Neverend · #3 12-12-2007, 08:52 AM

Woah those roots are really long!

I think it's best you do not do anything to the basket, as you're likely to damage the roots if you do so.

What you can do is wet the roots thoroughly, and when they're soaking wet, bend them gently into your preferred vase.

kavanaru · #4 12-12-2007, 09:00 AM

Hi Tanira,

I would not try to discard the plastic basket attached to your Vanda if it means to put the plant and roots in risk. I know some people are quite good re-rooting vandaceous chids, but my experience is that they are very moody (especially Rhyncostillis!). I use cone shaped vases for my plants and they are doing quite good there:

The vanda look a bit weird, but it is because I have forgotten it outside for two days under the summer sun...

In the case of my Rhyncostillis, I have added some sphap to the bottom of the vase, in order to improve the humidty. I've done this because my Rhyncostillis have few roots around the plastic basket and only one quite vigorous root going upward and therefore also ging out of the vase:

I have been tempted to cut it and try to force the plant to produce roots in the vase, but am a bit affraid of doing it. I have this plant since 8 months, it has produced new leaves and seems to be happy, but no new roots are produced yet. I have even tried K-L-N Root hormones, Superthirve, Clonex rooting hormones and nothing, it just does not want to produce new roots yet...

I am wondering if I ever manage to get it flowering

tanira2 · #5 12-12-2007, 09:49 AM

Thank you all so much for your help, im not sure about trimming the roots i really don't wanna damage it and those long roots are very woody as i said but i will try to look for other vases than the glass ones.So shopping for vases take two.
i will also soak them and wait then put them in.
Fingers crossed

And thanks once again

tanira2 · #6 12-12-2007, 09:53 AM

Although i don't want to trim the leggy roots if i have to whats the best way of doing it?

Buds! · #7 12-12-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavanaru

Hi Tanira,

I have been tempted to cut it and try to force the plant to produce roots in the vase, but am a bit affraid of doing it. I have this plant since 8 months, it has produced new leaves and seems to be happy, but no new roots are produced yet. I have even tried K-L-N Root hormones, Superthirve, Clonex rooting hormones and nothing, it just does not want to produce new roots yet...

I am wondering if I ever manage to get it flowering

Hi Ramon,
Your roots look a bit dry from the photos.
My experience: I tried a straight container with my vanda, and the roots did nothing.
The roots only responded when I used a container with a narrower neck. This vanda in the plastic container has 4 new roots coming within 2-3 weeks!
My other vanda has been in the glass vase for 3 months, it has 12cm roots coming from the sides of the plant, and lots of new root growth in the vase. I am a bit worried about re-potting! Would I need to smash the vase? If the container was plastic then it wouldn't be a problem.

I am thinking about your vandas, maybe you need reduce evapouration or increase watering/ misting?

I am very interested on improving growing vandas in vases/ containers.

Would someone show us some flowers coming out of these vases!!!

Buds! · #8 12-12-2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanira2

Although i don't want to trim the leggy roots if i have to whats the best way of doing it?

Do a search on 'vanda roots', there are many case studies.
I am not sure if it is good to trim in autumn? Remember that vandas have a 'rest or slow down' period in winter.
I do all my trimming in Spring.
What does everyone else think?
Where are the experts?

tanira2 · #9 12-12-2007, 10:13 AM

lol ok will do thanks

Neverend · #10 12-13-2007, 10:05 AM

Tell you what, make the judgement about trimming after you've got the roots soaking wet. You'll be surprised by how well roots can bend when wet! About the woody ones, so far my experience with my Rhynchostylis coelestis tells me that they can be removed, I have the woody ones snapped by strong winds and a wire hanger for my neighbouring Brassavola, didn't affect the plant much, the roots that must be kept safe are those that are growing green or white!