Vanda Harkana Tkatchenko

[Waterdog111]

I totally concur !👍

[Ale_V]

Perfect, thank you for the advice, I'm warming up the water right now.

I use RO Water and, as fertilizer, I use RainMix.
I have Kelpak and I will add it to the mix.

In the previous vase the roots were constantly moist by being in contact with spagnum moss and, in that case, I used RainMix basically 1/4 of its normal strength.
Now, when I water the plant on a daily basis, shall I use just pure RO Water? I guess no but I don't know which concentration I shall apply, still 1/4?

Thanks a lot

[estación seca]

You can use RO at each watering. On every fifth, I would use more fertilizer than you have been using. Vandas are heavy feeders. Rather than a quarter of recommended I would use a full dose. Use Kelpak monthly; more frequently is not necessary.

[Ale_V]

Hello,

thank you again for all your advices!

Some time has passed and I thought of writing an update to see if I could do something better or if I just shall wait..! :-)

I've implemented the watering system: there is a sprayer which "waters" the vanda every 4h for 4secs (maybe it seems like a lot but everythime I check, after 4 hours it seems to be totally dry and the roots are kind of shrinking).

There is some new root growth (just two tips, not a lot) but the lower leaves seems to be less stiff and are sort of floppy...

Also, there is a sort of green algae (I guess) growing on the roots, it is a problem?

Anything I could do better?

Thanks a lot!

[Roberta]

No worries about the algae. Normal. And that new little root is an excellent sign.

[estación seca]

It is better to get the roots completely wet once a day. Vanda roots turn dark green or brown when they are completely wet. Four seconds is not long enough. A mister might take one or two minutes, or more, to wet the roots completely.

[Ale_V]

Sorry,
I don't know how I haven't seen your messages.

Thank you for the advices!
Ok, I thought four seconds where ok as it was enought for the roots to get completely wet and then I thought the roots would have absorbed the water later on.

I'll make these changes and I'll keep you updated in the following weeks, thanks!

[Waterdog111]

I know when Im watering my vandas, I take a good long time to make sure they feel like theyve been in a good downpour. They show their appreciation too.