Putting Vanda In Basket With Massive Roots

[FSUOrchids]

I purchased a large Vanda that has years worth of root growth (measuring around 3.5 feet), that was never grown in any type of basket and is basically just on a hook.

I'd like to put it in a slotted basket (I have a large one I can use), but I'm afraid that I may end up damaging too many of the roots in the process and shock the plant. The roots seem to be clumping together at least a little bit, and the plant is in somewhat active growth as of now.

Anyone have a good way to repot this? Or should I just leave it as-is?

[ingse]

I had a vanda with even longer roots and someone adviced my to just coil them up like you would do with a rope.
The roots must be watered so they are "soft", before you do this, and then you just bind them up with a string of some sort.

[james mickelso]

Baskets are easy to construct so you could just construct one around the vanda. That way you wouldn't have to disturb the roots at all. A drill, 1/8th inch hardware wire (galvanized or stainless steel), pair of pliers and some redwood or cedar sticks. Easy. Or just tie some wire around the stem and hang it as is.

[FSUOrchids]

I already purchased a basket from Home Depot so I'm attempting to fit that in this. It's very large, and I think big enough to do the job.

[CTB]

If its that big I wouldn't try putting it in a basket, just coil the roots up till they are length that workable for you. When I cleanup my vandas I soak them and them trim all the dead and dying roots. I usually end up with maybe four good roots.

If too many leaves are missing I cut the bottom off and start over with a good top. Vandas are pretty tough orchids.

Once you clean it up and coil it, it might be pretty easy to sit down in a basket with a few rocks or such.

[FSUOrchids]

Yeah, the problem with that is basically all of the roots are good ones.

[Gage]

Why not just leave it on the hook?

[FSUOrchids]

I may end up having to do that, but it would be easier if I could somehow repot it into a basket.

[Nanook 2010]

I've actually seen very large vanda roots (I'm talking like 5ft here) gathered together, and looped around to form a loose knot

[Bud]

Your grow zone allows that Vanda to grow freely on a hook. I don't understand why you want to put it in a basket. Robust long flowing thick roots are the main attraction of a large healthy growing Vanda. In fact the more expensive it is in the market....It took me years to grow my Vanda roots and I want to show it off....it shows the age and staying power as opposed to a two year old seedling....the more nodes of past flower spikes also gives it value....the flowers it produces must be large flat with vivid colors....that's what mature Vandas I love to covet.