Vanda tips from Hawaii with NO ROOTS
 

I recently got 2 terete Vanda 'tips' from Hawaii - packaged by Kini PoPo for tourists. There are no roots. What should be done to help roots develop. So far I have them standing in small pots with some lava rock, charcoal and bark and watered them frequently.

Should they be drenched with liquid fertilizer? Or just kept in bright light - without direct sun - and given loads of water? I would really like them to root.

J

Check out my reply to this thread for my method:http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ots-vanda.html Very successful for me, nothing but good results. In the summer, vandas love sun as long as they get lots of water.Don't give it anything high in nitrogen for a while, give it a chance to grow downward before you make it grow upwards. After roots are sufficient, and keikis start to grow, then switch it up and hit it with the nitrogen. Make sense?

Hi J...

I'm going to move this into the appropriate forum...

Sure, thank you.

Warmth and high humidity are the keys.

Having it in a pot with moist medium is not a good idea, as 1) the roots are not likely to emanate from the bottom, and 2) you are risking rotting the cut end.

When I have started vandaceous plants that way, I put them in a clay pot with no medium, resting on the lowest leaves and having the "stem" not be in contact with anything. I use a wire bent to "grab" the pot lip, and clip the plant to the upright stake. I then put it in the warmest, most humid location I can find, but in shade, not bright sun. In a few weeks they grow new roots and away you go!

Thank you Ray. I will change the 'potting' method pronto! J.

Thank you Jasen. It does make sense.

Vanda roots appearing !!!

I repotted using Jasen's tips for making clips; and sprayed using Ray's tips for a rooting formula - and guess what? - I noticed roots emerging a couple of days ago!!

A million thanks to you both !!! :)

J

Now that it has roots, start wetting them at least daily (mornings, so they'll dry) with a mild fertilizer solution, and the plant will take off.

Will do; and again thanks a million!
BTW should this be a balanced fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength? or a fertilizer with a higher N number?

J.