Vanda teres - broken roots - Orchid Board

Brenda Aarts · #1 04-23-2009, 10:50 PM

Anybody out there growing a vanda teres? I purchased one recently and in transporting it home (ie: 21 hour drive) broke some of the roots. I have given it a really good soaking and cut off the dead parts of the roots, put some root stimulator on the stem at some of the nodes....Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I know it loves lots of warmth and sunlight. Thanks in advance.

natasha · #2 04-24-2009, 12:11 AM

i bought some vandas when i visit orchid valley last christmas. i learnt that you need to soak the roots first to make it more pliable to get in into the pot. then i put into a pot, put lots of charcoal there and then put it under shade for at least two monts or till the plant is strong enough. somewhere in february or march (it was rainy season) i put my new vanda outside and they get burned

as suddenly it becomes so hot... but luckily now, i saw that many are putting out new aerial roots and saw a couple of new leaves

my terete vandas are still under shade - i'm scared they get burned too, the leaves are so small!

dgenovese1 · #3 04-24-2009, 01:14 AM

Hi Brenda,
How are you growing your vandas? In baskets or potting medium? It would be helpful to know so I don't give you bum advice on watering...which is mucho important for vandas.

Also, time is something to give your new plant...they can take a while to set new roots.

I look forward to your reply.

Brenda Aarts · #4 04-24-2009, 08:47 AM

Hi Natasha and David,

Thank you for your prompt responses. I have tried several things with my vandas. Used to have them in baskets or pots with a little spagnum. Currently they are in glass vases bare root (a method I read about on OB) and get misted daily and soaked once a week in water and fert. They have a south west exposure in a large window, so get alot of sun. Maybe I should shade the teres till he sprouts a few more roots?? In May I take them and hang them in my arbor until Sept or so as we have warm humid summers. I think if I can keep this thing alive till then I should be in good shape. Look forward to your response.

dgenovese1 · #5 04-24-2009, 11:16 AM

Hi Brenda,
I don't think that shading your plant will help it...it may actually do more harm than good. Just keep it where you usually have your vandas. Mine are in baskets, and they get a good watering every day; actually a double watering...first I wet the roots with a hose until the water runs off...about 10 minutes later I do it again. The first watering opens up the pores on the roots and the second allows the water to get into the root through the velum covering (the grayish/green thick covering over the actual root. I do the same thing even with my root damaged ones. Over a 6 to 8 week period, especially if it is in the warmer months of the year, new roots will start to appear. Oh, and don't forget to fertilize…I fertilize my vandas heavily once a week all year long…no rest period.

Your culture is different than mine, so you may have to modify what I do to fit your situation. In the very least though, I would recommend more than a single soaking and misting per week...it doesn't sound like they are getting enough water to really thrive.

Brenda Aarts · #6 04-24-2009, 03:11 PM

Thanks David, I'll increase the misting to 2 times a day at least on this one, and maybe some others. Hoping I can keep it alive as it really has a different look to it. It has 1 bud (that hasn't blasted) and is almost ready to open. I've entertained the thoughts of cutting it off so that the plant can use all its energy etc. to grow a better root system. The other side of me wants to see what the flower is going to look like. Any thoughts??

nenella · #7 04-24-2009, 03:50 PM

Brenda
Just my 2cents worth, Seeing you keep your plant in a vase- I would let it soak for about 15-30 mins a day -filling & emptying the vase.I would also, so as to promote root growth, add a rooting hormone(eg: KLN ).You can still mist it 2 times a day. ..
Re: your bud blast..It sometimes happens! Try & not mist (the spike) when the sun's shining on it (If it does) also, have you got a net curtain or anything between your orchid & the window? I have read that orchids should not be kept at more than 50cms from the glass.
Interested to know how it works out for you ! Please do Keep us posted.Good Luck!