Vanda leaf tips yellowing then dying

[TMallanjr]

Hi everyone, I am hoping you guys can give me some help with my Vanda "Legacy Black". Bought 2.5 yrs ago from local grower (NJ) and was doing great, sprouting new leaves and bloomed 2x since then but this problem just started this winter. I grow them outside in the summer and move inside on a SW facing window ledge in the winter getting 4-ish hrs sun. 5 leaves so far have started turning yellow at the tips and discoloration works its way back to the stem followed by browning then dropping off. (see pics) I have had a bunch of Cattleyas for years with good success but am new to Vandas. Feed Tezula Plants "MSU Fert" 13-3 15 @ half strength weekly and try to soak the plant in a bucket of water for 2 minutes at least every other day. Just noticed the black root tip when taking the pics and after reading other posts here thought it might matter. Only 3-4 on plant with all other tips being nice healthy green. Any info you can give is greatly appreciated.

[Roberta]

First, Welcome! Others will have more experience in an environment similar to yours and I am sure will jump in. The thing that comes to mind is that it's not getting enough water (and so is starting to suck resources from the oldest leaves) Try increasing the soak time a bit. In the Vanda subforum I just suggested a sugar water treatment for a dehydrated Vanda, take a look over there. Remember, Catts are much more forgiving of "drought", since they have pseudobulbs which Vandas don't.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Vandas should be watered every day, especially in a lower humidity home environment.

I also wonder about temperature. How cold is it on the windowsill?

Thrips insects can damage Vanda root tips. Lower humidity and lack of water is more likely in your situation.

And the leaf damage resembles spider mite damage. Take a piece of tissue and run it with a little pressure along the leaf from stem to tip. If you see reddish or brown streaks you have spider mites. This is unlikely if you're dunking the whole plant when you water.

[TMallanjr]

Thank you for the advice. I will start watering it daily. I don't soak the whole plant, just from the roots down and I'll keep an eye out for spider mites. I live in central NJ so it is very dry during winter months and the room I keep my chids in is cool 65-70 but I don/t think to cool for them.

---------- Post added at 04:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------

Thanks Roberta, I'll check the Vanda forum

[DeaC]

I've sev. Vandas and we probably share the same conditions. Home is dry even with humidifier running so they get watered in the shower every other day but probably should be each day. They get hung under growlights then are put outside in warmer temps. Where in NJ?

[TMallanjr]

Hey DeaC, Sounds like same conditions, I'm near Red Bank. Started dunking my Vandas daily so will see how that goes. I do put them outside in the summer and spray them daily which they love and thrive in the sun, just can't replicate that inside in the winter.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by TMallanjr

Hey DeaC, Sounds like same conditions, I'm near Red Bank. Started dunking my Vandas daily so will see how that goes. I do put them outside in the summer and spray them daily which they love and thrive in the sun, just can't replicate that inside in the winter.

FWIW, Deep Cut Orchid Soc. meets in Tinton Falls should you be interested. And next wkend(3rd-5th) they will sponser a show @ Dearborn Mkt. in Holmdel. Many vendors and I always attend and spend!

[TMallanjr]

Yup, always hit that show.