My first orchid, trouble with roots! (Air roots)

[Vanda lover]

I have a vanda and a rhynchorides growing in vases and I find it one of the easiest ways to grow them. I soak them with half strength fertilizer one a week and mist the roots daily. Another way I grow them is in hanging baskets with lava rock or sphagnum. I mist them daily and soak them about once or twice a week. I like lava rock because it doesn't break down. It's almost the same, but I think the one in the vase looks happy and there is no guess work. Vanda roots tent to be silver when exposed, but in the vase they stay green longer.

[Kittey]

Originally Posted by DeaC

from another Jersey girl! You've gotten great advice from the OB experts,of which I'm not on vandas. But bear with me...I need to vent. As you've read so far,vandas are not the easiest and need certain requirements that for some are difficult to achieve,namely high humidity,freq.waterings ,excellent light,etc. I'm just wondering if the vendor had a discussion with you first,perhaps knowing you were new to orchids and suggesting something easier to begin with for your conditions. I'm sure the plant was not inexpensive and it's lovely. For myself,the days of buying plants because of their beauty are gone. I now know what my growing conditions are and base my selections on that. Forgive the rant. I'm anxious to see this beauty and others you can share with us!

Hello DeaC! I did tell the vendor that I was a first time orchid owner and that I lived in New Jersey. He DID recommend another type of orchid (though I can't remember the type...) but didn't discourage me from looking at the one I purchased. He said that as long as I watered it 3 times a week and fertilized, it would be fine. I guess it would have been nice to get more accurate info from the beginning, but you have all been wonderful! Thank you again.

Oh, by the way, it cost me $25, which I thought was reasonable because I've seen orchids go for more in the past, but I honestly have no idea what a good price is for any sort of orchid...

On another note, should I just use orchid fertilizer? Any recommendations?

[Vanda lover]

$25 was a very reasonable price. Often they are $45 - $60 here. I don't find vandas any more difficult to grow than my other orchids.
I just use whatever orchid fertilizer I have on hand.