Plastic Basket Removed from Vanda, Now What
 

I know you mentioned do it when it stopped blooming but I just couldn't look at that ugly basket anymore...I know you're thinking but it's still there...but at least its free from the bottom!!! I soaked the roots for about 40 minutes and cut the plastic away and where the roots where stuck I pried them off slowly only one spot did I break about an inch of root off... then I got some of the black dried out stuff as well... now how do I proceed? Should I let it rest before continuing? I don't want it to die. Thank you to everyone who has helped me in this process!!! I love this board!!

Now that you have started, keep going. If you have your new wooden basket that is. The next trick is getting those roots into or around the new basket, once you have that done put some well washed rocks on them to the top of the basket. Use soft wire or string to tie the plant to the hanging wire's, that will stop it moving around as it gets established in it's new home.

Warren

Well,

You can either decide to grow it bare root, or put it in another basket.


If you really hate the thought of an ugly basket--wood may not be for you. Repotme.com has a new line of "everlasting" vanda baskets here:

Everlast Vanda Basket - White - 6 inch

They are pricey but I suppose the non-rotting nature is worth the money. Personally, I'm having someone make them out of black clay--but that's just crazy Maria. :)

Robi

If I have a problem getting all the roots through the bottom slats, I just remove one of the slats, usually the center one. I also use lava rocks to help secure the plant and I grow mine in my basement under lights.

Marilyn

Why do you need a basket when you could just get a hanger and have no problems?
a vanda wire hager or you could use one of those cheap dry cleaning wire coat hangers

:agree:

Those roots will grow freely.

How would i attach the vanda wire hanger to the vanda? I don't want to hurt it...??

thanks

fear not, you need no staple gun to attach it!
maybe some plastic coated wire?

I agree with such a wealth of roots it would be easier and safer just to hang the entire thing from a wire. Of course you would want to remove the white parts of the basket as much as can safely be done. I have never hung a Vanda from a wire so can't give a step-by-step but I'm sure someone else will
Nick

I am not if this picture help you, but this is how I received my Vanda from Smiley's Orchid in FL. She grows all her plants in this way. As a matter of fact, I switched most of my Vandas this way. The bottom part of the wire is "U" shape to grab the bottom part of the the plant.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/...3baa71065c.jpg

you could use a coat wire hanger on the back - or cut the needed part of the coat hanger and then tie it to a small chain or fish line and hang it in front of a window

can someone give me instructions for growing vandas on wire onlly. I have a huge vanda, that is now in a basket minus a bottom. Most of the basket has rotted out and I would love to grow it on a wire. I will appreciate any and all suggestons., thanks.

I cannot see the bottom of the vanda where it is sitting on the wire. Can you show us another picture, showing the bottom, it would help Thanks b

I usually use a single plant hanger, maneuver the loop at the bottom around/under a sturdy root near the top and use a cable tie to keep it secure. I also put a cable tie closer to the top of the stem (just below the bottom leaves) and they stay nice :)

thanks so much for the info. when you say a single plant hanger, do you mean a pot hanger, or a wire 4 prong hanger. I will be waiting to hear from you, all my vanda baskets are rotting, so this sounds great. b

Thanks Lorraine, I am beginning to get the jist of this way of growing vandas. Now to remove the baskets, one peice at a time.,..,happy orchid growing
by the way do you ever come to the Orchid Show in Sarasota? Usually in Januare. Nice show

Have not gotten to any shows out of my area yet. If our Society puts together a bus trip and I'm in town I get to go. And boy do I have a great time shopping. My husband doesn't enjoy the shows like I do, but likes how I landscape using whatever catches my eye. I'm going to visit a guy about an hour 1/2 away who works with driftwood and check out what he has at his workshop. Can't wait.

I would be very careful removing the plastic from the roots. I lost a my first vanda :( trying to get all the roots cleaned off. You might just let mother nature get the smaller pieces off when the roots get wet/dry on their own and trim out the clean pieces with snippers. It might look a little strange for awhile but I would not sacrifice even 1 little root.

thanks again for alll the good advice, and suggestions. Good luck with your next adventure.