Fusarium?!?!

[Ridley Ann]

Someone told me that this 100% had fusarium from only this picture! Can you confirm that it does? And if it does can you point it out to me so that I know what to look for next time??

[DirtyCoconuts]

i have no idea how anyone could tell you anything, let alone 100%, about a cellular fungus from a distant picture.

That plant looks quite healthy to me although i cannot see the roots in great enough detail to confirm that

[Ridley Ann]

Thank you!! I couldn’t see anything that I’ve been told to look for up close let alone from that picture.

Unfortunately all the roots on this particular plant are dead which why I posted this picture in a different forum to ask if anyone thought I could save it. I got freaked out when someone said the word fusarium!!

[SouthPark]

Ridley ----- please show photos of the potting method (media used etc). I have certainly seen on the internet fusarium paranoia cases. So if you have seen those things online (eg. youtube), then don't fall for it. Your orchid probably doesn't have fusarium.

To grow this sort of orchid (and most orchids) well, they need recommended growing temperature, recommended amount/duration/level of light, and adequate supply of oxygen to the roots, and adequate air-movement around the plant's leaves, stems, and roots --- and adequate water intake. Also, adequate supplements and elements (like vitamins).

If your set-up is such that an important component is lacking, then it will lead to unwanted results - like dying or dead roots.

For example, if water around roots aren't aerated or oxygenated enough, then roots can die - as roots require enough oxygen to survive. This could happen if your media is not airy enough through-out the pot, or if your pot doesn't have adequate number and adequate size of drainage holes down the bottom of the pot, or if the growing area doesn't have adequate air-movement.

Packing spaghnum moss into a pot and around roots without knowing or considering what negative things can happen ----- can be a killer for a plant (not just orchids). Also, watering method and schedule are important considerations - especially when spaghnum moss is being used.

[Ridley Ann]

Thank you for the tips. This is actually a plant that my mom just gave me because she couldn’t handle the care anymore. Of course I wish she gave it to me months ago when it actually had roots but oh well. It’s going to be my little project. I’ve brought back Phals with no roots but this will be my first Vanda to try to nurse back to health. fingers crossed!! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[DirtyCoconuts]

Vandals come back easier than phals.

In my experience

[Roberta]

Quite a few people on the Board have had good results with a Kelpmax soak, followed by monthly applications. From the picture, it actually looks like a healthy plant that, with proper care, is quite capable of growing a new batch of roots. (I agree with Southpark, there are some YouTube videos that blame everything on "fusarium" which is actually quite rare in cultivated orchids. I doubt it very much!)

Remember that Vandas are very dominant epiphytes - they hate having roots confined. So if you have to put it in a pot, choose a very open, airy medium (volcanic rock is good). I'll let others with more experience with the technique discuss semi-hydro as an option.

[aliceinwl]

I’ve had pretty dramatic responses in my Vandas to Kelpmax soaks. I’ve seen new root growth within a week which is like lightening speed for an orchid. Mine aren’t very big so I just have some wire wrapped around the base and secured to a hanger. I set them in a container to soak overnight and then rehang them bareroot from the window in the morning. They’re growing like crazy so I’ve been reluctant to try moving them into pots, vases, etc., but I probably should try something.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

....Mine aren’t very big so I just have some wire wrapped around the base and secured to a hanger. I set them in a container to soak overnight and then rehang them bareroot from the window in the morning. They’re growing like crazy so I’ve been reluctant to try moving them into pots, vases, etc., but I probably should try something.

Why would you want to change your routine with them if they're growing like crazy, AliceinWL? Remember the old saying, if it ain't broke...

[aliceinwl]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Why would you want to change your routine with them if they're growing like crazy, AliceinWL? Remember the old saying, if it ain't broke...

The problem is my current set-up will only accommodate them while they’re relatively small. If they keep going at their current pace... I wasn’t expecting them to be this vigorous: all my others pretty much grow like snails, so I told myself I’d have years to figure something out when I bought them ;-)