So upset.. Vanda fell broke root

[Irisha99]

Hi. My poorly Vanda was growing 4 new roots. It had very poor root system. It just fell out from its pot and broke one of the roots at the tip ( the biggest one). I am so sad because it’s taking such a long time to recuperate. Is it going to be ok? I put some hydrogen peroxide on the wound. Anything else I should do? Thank you

[fishmom]

First, do not put hydrogen peroxide on the root again; it can cause damage. It looks like some of the growing tip is intact, so maybe it will continue to grow. If not, it might branch, or it might start a new root.



Continue to do whatever prompted that new root to start. I think you are soaking it regularly? Let the would heal over for a day or two and then just give it the best culture you can. For sure, orchids teach patience!

[Irisha99]

So, no hydrogen peroxide. Grrr. Talk about conflicting info on the internet... Regarding my culture, I did keep it in full water culture and it grew 3 new roots but they didn’t survive in FWC though seemed unhappy if kept without water either. I soaked it in rooting solution once a week. And they just grew. I didn’t think it was due to my care at all, thought it was just seasonal time for it to grow.
Fingers crossed, it branches. I was so so happy when that root grew. Crazy me getting so upset over a plant.
Another question. I had to cut off the old basket as it was blocking growth of one of the root tips. What is the safest way to keep this Vanda? Vase? Another basket? Thanks for you insight

[fishmom]

Read this about hydrogen peroxide:
Oncidium shriveling up, turning yellow!


I don't grow vandas, so I'm not much help there. I would keep soaking it regularly (daily) and leave it in the air in between. If a basket makes that easier, good. I have an ascocenda I keep in a well-ventilated plastic pot with the biggest chunks of bark I can get. Frequent watering and airy spaces between the chunks seem to work for this plant. It is my avatar.

[Irisha99]

Originally Posted by fishmom

Read this about hydrogen peroxide:
Oncidium shriveling up, turning yellow!


I don't grow vandas, so I'm not much help there. I would keep soaking it regularly (daily) and leave it in the air in between. If a basket makes that easier, good. I have an ascocenda I keep in a well-ventilated plastic pot with the biggest chunks of bark I can get. Frequent watering and airy spaces between the chunks seem to work for this plant. It is my avatar.

Your plant is very beautiful.
Should I wait until the damaged root dries up a bit before I start watering it?

[fishmom]

In a day or two the broken tip should look dry on the end. That should be plenty of time to wait before soaking again.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Irisha99

So, no hydrogen peroxide. Grrr. Talk about conflicting info on the internet... Regarding my culture, I did keep it in full water culture and it grew 3 new roots but they didn’t survive in FWC though seemed unhappy if kept without water either. I soaked it in rooting solution once a week. And they just grew. I didn’t think it was due to my care at all, thought it was just seasonal time for it to grow.
Fingers crossed, it branches. I was so so happy when that root grew. Crazy me getting so upset over a plant.
Another question. I had to cut off the old basket as it was blocking growth of one of the root tips. What is the safest way to keep this Vanda? Vase? Another basket? Thanks for you insight

Sorry you found bad advice elsewhere on the internet.

I agree 100% with the advice above to never use hydrogen peroxide on roots. I've occasionally used hydrogen peroxide to wipe off FULLY MATURE leaves when I felt that disinfectant was required (for example, wiping a leaf that had been near another leaf with an Erwinia infection). I do this VERY rarely though. With the exception of very dilute fertilizer, my policy with chemicals on roots is that it you wouldn't put it in your eye, you should be cautious about putting it on roots. (Yeah, I don't put stuff in my eye either, sort of like the advice to never put anything in your ear except your elbow).

On Orchidboard, you may often find that advice tends to build around consensus opinions and approaches to solving problems. That consensus advice is usually pretty safe. Sometimes you will get advice, good or bad, that differs from the group, and it is a judgement call whether to follow such advice or not. I do tend to avoid YouTube as a source of information, as there are many people on YouTube that dispense really bad advice (not 100% of the time but it's good to be a skeptic).

[Paphluvr]

I know you're having a problem with a sparce root system, but the thing that seems to be overlooked is the fact that if the plant was able to just fall out of the pot it wasn't secure enough to encourage new root growth. Any wobble of the plant in the mix when it is handled will bruise emerging root tips. It needs to be secure! Have you ever used pot clips?

[estación seca]

Vandas need a lot of water and a lot of air at the roots. If you grow it in a pot, use large chunks of medium so there is a lot of air circulation, and water 1-3 times per week depending on your conditions. Don't let it wobble, as mentioned above.

If you grow them bare-root, you need to water at least once a day, and the roots need to stay wet for a while to absorb water.

Some people can grow them in full water culture. I can't. I can grow them in vases by soaking the roots overnight every day or two.

[Mr Cattleya]

Hello!

Sorry to hear about your accident. I have a Vanda that I'm currently growing outside. It's hanging from the deck and seems to be doing well. New roots all over. It's been outside since spring and I'll take it back inside when it starts to get cold. Sorry for the bad pic.