care for unpotted vandas

[april]

I am confused and want very badly to do the right thing for my vandas (panchera delights) I have them unpotted and in the little baskets with wire hangars. I have read every thread, bought numerous books, ect.. There are so many different ways that people water and fertilize that it is very confusing to a beginner. I live in Sarasota, Florida and I have them in an open top atrium where I have them in filtered light. I spray their roots twice a day with a couple of good sprays spaced apart so that they can absorb the water. The biggest question is fertilizing. I soak them in a bath of 2 gallons of water with 1 tsp. of 20-20-20 once a week. The posts lean more toward fertilizing every day. How is this done and is it necessary? Do you put something on the hose and how do you know the amount it is dishing out. Do some of you use a watering can and what fertilizer is best? It just seems like so much fertilizer will be wasted this way. I do want the best for them though. Please straighten me out!!

[SP2340]

I put the fertilizer in my spray bottle... that way your not using as much like when you have to prepare a bath for them.

[april]

I see. So you just spray on the fertilizer EVERY day? Is that how you water also? With a spray bottle? Could you tell me how much fertilizer you use? Thanks for your input.

[Grandma M]

I use 1/4 strength MSU fertilizer each time they get sprayed. Vandas are heavy feeders. If you have only a few plants, a spray bottle would work great. I have found the hose end type does not work evenly, just my opinion. Others like them.

Marilyn

[april]

Thanks Marilyn! When you say every time you spray, do you mean that any water the vandas ever get has the fertilizer in it? Even if I water them twice a day? Can I get the MSU ? Is there a number that I have to ask for (like 20-20-20 or something)? Do I spray only the roots or the whole enchilada? April