Rescuing a storm damaged V. Banjong 'Blue Sky'

[Dusty Ol' Man]

I picked this vanda up at Lowe's and it looked healthy. We had to evacuate from Hurricane Laura so all the plants went in the garage for a few days. When I returned, they all came back out onto the deck. Everything was fine until 6 weeks later when we had to evacuate again from Hurricane Delta. In my rush the vanda was left hanging in the tree. When I returned I found my poor vanda had stayed put, but was beat up pretty badly. I cut out some of the dead roots, watched the damaged leaves and removed some that were too far gone. I found locally some root stimulant hormone and mixed up a small quantity. I have been soaking the roots and lower stem in this solution for a few days and am starting to see some new root growth. The poor thing still looks a bit dehydrated in the leaves. After soaking for a half hour most of the roots are nice and green. Within an hour of removing from the bucket the roots are white again. Should I increase the time in the soak? I don't like the idea of using tap water, but have a rain barrel. The temps the last few days have been between 65 and 85 degrees F and the humidity between 70 and 90%.
Edit to add: I tried to post a pic but the software won't let me.

[estación seca]

It's normal for Vanda roots to dry in an hour. You could water more frequently if you like, but it will probably make more roots soon. Vandas don't mind my tap water, which probably has more mineral in it than yours.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Thanks for that. I have other potted plants on the deck that get watered from the hose. I can spray the vanda then. We will have a cold front come through tonight and all the orchids will be coming inside for a couple days. Then water won't be an issue.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

News on the recovery. Since the last post the vanda has lost leaves and some roots look very stressed. The top leaves look dehydrated despite getting a good soak once or twice a day. It is hanging in the garage 3 inches below the shop light. While the condition of this plant has not visibly improved, over the last few days, inspecting closely, I noticed a new root tip! See the picture below.
The second picture is of the roots shortly after their soak. They don't really look good to me, but this is my first vanda and I'm not sure what I'm seeing. If anyone has a comment or advice as to how to proceed, I'm all ears.

[estación seca]

Your plant has a more than adequate, healthy root system. If leaves have been severely wrinkled they may not recover completely, but new growth should be normal. If it's not growing your temperatures are too low or you're not fertilizing enough. Vandas need more fertilizer than almost any other orchids, and growth is proportional to fertilizer applied.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Your plant has a more than adequate, healthy root system. If leaves have been severely wrinkled they may not recover completely, but new growth should be normal. If it's not growing your temperatures are too low or you're not fertilizing enough. Vandas need more fertilizer than almost any other orchids, and growth is proportional to fertilizer applied.

Thanks for that reminder. Due to growing conditions during the recovery stage of our remodel watering consists of a dunk in a bucket once 9r twice a day. Unfortunately it's the best I can do. I will up the feeding. Temps are kept above 70f in the daytime.

[Orchidtinkerer]

you mentioned this post in the other thread so I thought I'd check it out and you have the same issue with your stem as the other poster.
I manicure my orchids a lot, removing dead leaves, dried up sheathes etc. Leaving them, especially layered ontop of each other the way yours are is just asking for humidity to build up in there and infect the stem. Cut those leaves away, carefully and let your stem breathe!
If you are lucky that will be enough to let the stem dry out and recover.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Orchidtinkerer

you mentioned this post in the other thread so I thought I'd check it out and you have the same issue with your stem as the other poster.
I manicure my orchids a lot, removing dead leaves, dried up sheathes etc. Leaving them, especially layered ontop of each other the way yours are is just asking for humidity to build up in there and infect the stem. Cut those leaves away, carefully and let your stem breathe!
If you are lucky that will be enough to let the stem dry out and recover.

Thanks. I will take care of that asap.