needs advice for my vanda
 

hello,

I recently bought some vanda from the international orchid show in Santa Barbara and I'm really new in growing orchids. I noticed that my vanda are shriveling and yellowing bottom leaves. So I tried to research on how to take care of my vanda's. I really need some advice on my vanda I've been soaking them in a bucket for 15 minutes in the morning but they still look shriveled and dry. can I do something more or do I soak them more. Thanks for any advice you can give thanks

scarlet

Do you have a picture of the vanda in question? Plant and flowers? Is this a species or a hybrid? A name would help alot.

If it's a hybrid...

Vandas with Vanda coerulea in their bloodline need cool to intermediate temperatures to thrive. They do somewhat poorly with warmer weather.

Here's a pic of Vanda coerulea:

IOSPE PHOTOS

Vandas with Euanthe sanderiana (Vanda sanderiana) in their bloodline are intermediate to warm growing.

Here's a pic of Euanthe sanderiana (Vanda sanderiana):

IOSPE PHOTOS

Generally Ascocendas are more intermediate growing. And generally Mokaras are more warm growing.

For ease of growing, just tie it onto a large log without moss (they like their roots well aerated) and water everyday at this time of year. My Vanda coerulea is pushing out new roots this time of year.

Most Vandas like medium to bright light.

If it's just the bottom leaves I wouldn't worry too too much about it. Sometimes vandas do drop their bottom leaves. I've had a couple fall off on different plants, but overall they are very healthy and have been growing all kinds of new roots.

A picture would help :photo: just so we can see the lovely ;)

You don't say where you are located. Here in the So. I hang mine outside during the summer until fall. They do like the warmth and are pretty heavy feeders.

And also do not forget to give it at least 12 hours of light a day. Not too strong or it will burn. Water every day and soak alot to prevent it from dehydrating. Your new vanda will drop leafs and also a few roots in the beginning but once it adapted and you water/feed/light it enough, it will start growing like a maniac and expect a spike within 2 months from that point on.

to everyone that posted their reply I really appreciate your advice. thanks to everyone. I will post their picture but no flower . I'm waiting for my brother for the usb adaptor for the camera.
But I have V. thananchaisand (Red),v. robert's delight(red), v. kasem's delight blue, ascda arunee honeymoon, v. dr. anek and ascda varuth leopard. I'm soaking them now but I don't know if they are ok. some of them have new roots but should I cut the roots that are brown and wilted. I cut the yellow leaves already so that they will not spend their energy on the yellow leaves but one of them have a reddish color on their upper leaves. I just hope that they will be ok. I will try to post picture tonight or tomorrow. thanks again.

to don,

I live in Los angeles in the San fernando valley. So I have them outside with 75% screen since our temp reaches the 100's during summer. they are facing the east in the morning.

I use the yellow grow more 20-20-20 fertilizer once a week. using the spray.

Is there some other fertilizer that u can recommend???

This is what I do with great succes.

My parents are:
Vanda Sansai Blue has as parents: Vanda coerulea and Vanda Crimson Glory.
V. coerulea is a species.
V. Crimson Glory has as parents: V.Onomea and V. Sun Tan.
V. Onomea comes from V. Rothschildiana (= coerulea x sanderiana) and V. sanderiana,
V. Sun Tan comes from V. Beebee Sumner (= Onomea x Clara Shipman Fisher) and V. sanderiana.

I use artificial light + natural light on a west side window. Feeding it just with enough light until I see a slight red tinge on the upper leafs (that can be too much). I water twice a day by spraying the roots wet. at 12 midday and 6 pm. Sometimes when its warm before sleep as well.
On wensday I submerge the roots for 45 minutes in slightly warm water. And on saturday as well but now with a fert mix of pokon 6-7-5 with spore metals and 16-21-27 together half the described dosage.

Temps vary (damn dutch climate) between 12 C and 35 C in summer. and 6 C and 12 C in winter. The higher the temp the more I water

I don't cut roots and I let leafs come off by themselves.

That method works for me, plant is growing like a maniac, roots are popping out like worms and the recent flower spike is growing 2 cm a day.

Good luck

Scarlet - If there is one thing you learn, that is all the advice you receive should be guidelines. What works for those in Los Angeles does not necessarily work in New England. Be a good listener and do a little experimenting along the way. You will find the right mix for you. I do use 20-20-20 every time I water. Once a month is add Cal-Mag, then once a month I add STEM (which is trace elements) and I also add superthrive along with the 20-20-20. Then once a month I flush with just plain water. [B]All[B] my orchids get the same treatment except I water most only once a week. Of course there are some that require more watering than once a week say, like, a tiney aerangis mounted, and of course all my vandas, Ascon. every day during the summer, etc. Keep a watchful eye and the orchid will let you know what it needs, whether it's the bugs, light, water or fertilizer. Good luck and happy growing!

Indeed forgot to mention that. thnx for clearing that up Don