Vanda shoots spike or keiki please?

[bil]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If you want an explanation of why I prefer the potted method, I will tell you later.

Yes please, I would like to hear that A LOT if you don't mind taking the time.

---------- Post added at 09:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 AM ----------

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Grow your Vanda potted in a clear plastic pot with plenty of air slots or holes. Use large grade potting mix. If you have to make sure the orchid doesn't topple over, put it in a larger terra-cotta pot. Do this while the orchid's root system still allows you to easily fit them inside a pot without damaging them too heavily. The orchid's root mass will conform to the shape of the pot when it is growing out in subsequent season. From then on, the Vanda can be grown potted throughout its life without having to worry about roots not being able to be watered sufficiently because too many of them were exposed to air and start desiccating.

Similar thing with the wood slat basket except with this method, more of the roots can grow out of the slats and start dangling all over the place.

I prefer the potted method. Unfortunately, right now, I don't have the time to explain. If you want an explanation of why I prefer the potted method, I will tell you later.

I am damned if I know where I could get a clear pot that large. I use plastic pots here with additional holes melted in the sides to allow air to circulate well.
Large grade, -I'm assuming you mean bark? Only bark, or would you add a few pockets of spaghnum to hold a little moisture? It's pretty dry here and I worry about pots drying out too quickly

[Suzanne17]

"I am damned if I know where I could get a clear pot that large. I use plastic pots here with additional holes melted in the sides to allow air to circulate well."

Bil, I found these yesterday looking for large pots- they go up to 14".
http://www.chulaorchids.com/html/clear_pots.html

[bil]

Originally Posted by Suzanne17

"I am damned if I know where I could get a clear pot that large. I use plastic pots here with additional holes melted in the sides to allow air to circulate well."

Bil, I found these yesterday looking for large pots- they go up to 14".
Clear Plastic Orchid Pots - Clear Pots - Clear Plastic Pots - Clear Air Cone Pots - Orchid Pots - Orchid Advice

Thanks Suzanne, trouble is I am in Spain. The US has the advantage that you can buy almost anything your heart desires. Here we get less choice. The other problem is that while two of the vandas don't have too much root mass, one has a shedload, extending to almost 4 feet. That's going to take quite some pot.

They do look like good pots tho...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes, I meant large grade bark. Bark only in the medium, no Sphag moss at all - Sphag in a pot with Vandas = slow decline leading to death.

Try contacting Chula Orchids anyways. They might be able to ship to Spain.

The reason why I like growing potted is because it is easier to water. I don't have to be watering very often because too many of the roots are drying out. It is also easier to move the orchid around, and easier to place on the porch without worrying about breaking roots. Not to mention, it's a neater presentation.