Operation Vanda Rescue

[orchidexpress]

Use KLN ...which puts 'roots on a shovel'.
It's a Dyna-Gro product.
I have used this root hormone of KLN and I have saved a vanda that looked just like your picture.

[AaronM]

On a happier note, the other vanda that I rescued is still doing good. It too was an older plant with a long stem and two newer growths at the bottom. I cut out the eight inches of stem between the new growths and the massive aerial roots of the main stem and now have two healthy plants. Using the info I received from all you great people (especially concerning fertilizing bare root vandas), those orchids are both looking much healthier and have new leaves forming. Now if I can just get some kind of rudimentary watering system set up I can stop watering them two or three times a day by hand.

Thank-you all again.

AaronM

[orchidexpress]

Good Luck and let us know what kind of watering system you come up with. I'm about to go to Home Depot and pick up some plant misters and line them around the greenhouse to keep down the summer heat.

Happy Vanda Growing!

[AaronM]

This is what happens when you follow the soaking method described in this thread.

AaronM

[AaronM]

Oh, and I found out that the orchid that started this thread is most likely Vanda Cindy Banks 'Bill's Choice'. I am still looking for a new, healthier plant if anyone knows where I can get one.

AaronM

[JennS]

Originally Posted by AaronM

Oh, and I found out that the orchid that started this thread is most likely Vanda Cindy Banks 'Bill's Choice'. I am still looking for a new, healthier plant if anyone knows where I can get one.

AaronM

Aaron,

You say you are looking for a new "healthier" plant...does that mean the original one that started this thread is still clinging to life? I went back and read the posts, but never actually saw you say that it died. If it is still alive, good job! Keep your hopes up.

I also have to say that I disagree with the comments about using spahgnum moss in the vandas baskets. I think a light sprinkling of it is very helpful when trying to get vandas to re-root. I even secured a bundle of spag. to the base of a vanda in a very similar situation which promoted root growth and saved the plant. I doubt it would have survived any other way, unless i ran home from work twice a day to soak or mist it. I do think that once the roots are established, you can remove the moss, or move it to the outer areas of the basket so it's not laying over the roots. That worked great for me, and it helps keep humidity up since we are now in the "dry air" season in Orlando, which today is 50% humidity (according to weather.com).

If I come across one of those vandas I will definitely let you know.

Your vanda pictured is very beautiful. You did a great job with that one. See, you can get flowers!

[JennS]

I should also note that when I use the spag in the baskets it dries out daily so the roots do not stay constantly wet. This is only used in ailing plants or plants just being established in baskets though. I don't use it in the healthy vandas at all. `

[JanetOS]

Aaron,
Congratulations!!!!
I would love to see the pic of the whole plant.
Janet

[callas orchid]

Hello everyone,I am going to start selling vandas that are 3,4,5,6,7,8,10 feet tall if interested contact mefor more info,Callas.

[greenbean]

Originally Posted by callas orchid

Hello everyone,I am going to start selling vandas that are 3,4,5,6,7,8,10 feet tall if interested contact mefor more info,Callas.

I should have waited longer to join! All these plant offers are too tempting! I'm trying to wait until summer because I'll probably be getting some free plants, but...it's...so... hard...to....resist! orchid gods give me strength!

it's not working!...breaking under pressure...feeling faint!



Ok, so it doesn't look like I'm totally ignoring the topic of this thread , great looking blooms Aaron. I hope you find your "Grandpa Orchid"!