Stinky Vanda Roots

[Becki687130]

I have had my vanda for quite some time and it has been doing well. It has been kept outside on the lanai in Florida, hanging bare root, with plenty of air circulation. The leaves look great and even have new growth.

In the last couple of weeks, I have seen roots falling off periodically. Now, when they get wet, the roots stink. I suspect some sort of root rot but I’m not certain and don’t want to just start cutting if it is something else. The reason I am not certain is that none of the roots are brown, or soft. When dry, they look entirely healthy except a few seem to be cracking. When wet, they are green with some light yellow, firm, but they smell so bad.

Thoughts or suggestions?

[estación seca]

How do the leaves look? Vandas that aren't getting water through the roots quickly develop wrinkled and dropping leaves.

Some blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) smell bad in a strange way. Gram-negative rod coliform bacteria smell like poop. These may grow on roots without causing problems.

Consider calling a Florida Vanda grower for advice. Fuchs and Motes are both in the Homestead area.

[Ray]

You might consider using a plant probiotic on them, as well.