Brown ring on vanda roots
 

Hi all, I noticed my Vanda denisioniana developed brown rings on a couple of its roots. The tips of the affected roots would continue to grow. Then one day a majority of the root would die back but not the whole root. The problem doesn't seem to be contagious as other roots are not affected by it. And the problem appears randomly.

The vanda is cultivated in vase culture for a while now. And there are always active root growth. I currently soak the roots for about 8 hours, once in a while overnight, in the recommended amount of Dyna-gro orchid pro and RO water solution every 2-3 days. It receives a good amount of sunlight. My environment's night temp is above 60 F, day temp about 70 F. Thanks!

Here are some pictures for references:

Attachment 118078

Attachment 118079

This is another root that had the same problem. And this is how it looks after like a month.
Attachment 118080

I can't say what he problem is, but my vandas do the same especially in winter. It has not caused any harm, and the root growth I get in summer is greater than the loss I get through tips shrivelling.

I also have this happen to roots. My theory, the brown as you call it, I would call it more of a red is a growing tip colored from the sun. Then I believe it dries up from lack of humidity. My 2 cents.

I have this happen, too, to my Vandas in vases. I have wondered whether the root was burned by direct contact with glass heated by sunlight.

Thanks for all the responses. I don't think it is a humidity issue as the lowest root had the same problem.


I think you might be onto something. Only the roots closest to the side of the glass which faces the sun have this symptom. There is probably nothing I can do to help this root right now if that is the case. I just hope it would make it through.

If it's happy it'll soon grow new roots. I treat my Vandas to an overnight soak about once a month in a solution of KelpMax from First Ray's in rain. The following morning most of them have new roots sprouting that weren't there the night before.