Urgent question for newbie

[indyorchid]

(pics in album)

I recently came into two Vanda Orchids. Both were highly neglected, dry roots, but the leaves were still green.

I have started soaking the roots 3-5 times a day, while I learn how to properly care for these amazing plants. Now I am seeing brown and black spots on the plant, it seems to be spreading. I really would like to save them but I have no idea where to start.

I would like to try and nurse them back to full health. I have been doing an insane amount of research to attempt to learn the proper ways of caring for this type of plant.

Zone 5b

My question is, what exactly is wrong with these plants and how do I save them. I have pictures of them in my album



Thank you so much for your time in advance

[Leafmite]

I didn't see your pictures but perhaps a little more information would be helpful.
First, do you have names for the Vandas? If not, what type of leaves do they have? (Are they flat, semi-flat or like a pencil?) This affects how much light the orchid will need.
How are you growing the orchids now? Do you grow outside? How much light are they getting? Do they get a nice breeze where they are hung/set? How do you have them potted? Do they get water on the leaves and does it dry off quickly? What fertilizer do you have and how often is it used? Do the roots turn green when you soak them?

With five posts, you can post pictures here.

---------- Post added at 02:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------

By the way, hello and welcome to Orchid Board!

[sweetjblue]

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...lbums1439.html

Looks in pretty rough shape. Growing tip appears to be gone and not much root. Some spots appear to be from sunburn.

Hopefully someone with much more experience with vandas comes along to help and advise you.


Judi

[silken]

Some seaweed added to your watering of the roots will help stimulate some new root growth. Mine lives in less humid conditions than is optimal and I do get some grown spots like yours but not nearly as extensive. It could be sunburn too if it is getting a lot of sun.

[indyorchid]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I didn't see your pictures but perhaps a little more information would be helpful.
First, do you have names for the Vandas? If not, what type of leaves do they have? (Are they flat, semi-flat or like a pencil?) This affects how much light the orchid will need.
How are you growing the orchids now? Do you grow outside? How much light are they getting? Do they get a nice breeze where they are hung/set? How do you have them potted? Do they get water on the leaves and does it dry off quickly? What fertilizer do you have and how often is it used? Do the roots turn green when you soak them?

Apologies for the lack of information.
I will attempt to get the photos up ASAP.

The previous owner called them Purple Vanda Orchids (flat leaf with purple flowers). I have them hanging under a tree outside (facing south). They both has a decent breeze, no direct sunlight. Note: (I did notice the first few days, there were a couple of hours at the end of the day where both Vandas received direct sunlight.)

I have the Vandas hanging with no type of medium as of right now. I have fertilize twice (once a week) with Jack's All Purpose 20-20-20 by soaking the plants for about 20 mintues. And yes some roots turn green and over the last week or so I have seen some slight growth

There was a few times where a light rain sprinkle has hit the leaves.

---------- Post added at 05:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 PM ----------

Thanks for the input. I am doing some serious online research and have attempted to contact a few local sources.

[silken]

It doesn't sound like you are harming them. They may just take a while to bounce back. They do need a fair bit of light but if they weren't in it before, they need to slowly be introduced to it. They are fairly heavy feeders in the summer so the fertilizer shouldn't hurt if you are mixing according to instructions or less than that.

[indyorchid]

Thanks for the input. I think I may have sunburned them by introducting them to too much light too soon. After spending the day doing some research and some good advice here, I have decided to relocate the plants to avoid any type of direct sun light.