Vanda-in-a-Pot blooms again

[cirillonb]

Originally Posted by stefpix

How long did you have them in a pot? do you think a mix of hydroton and spanish moss would work?

if you go away for a week and not water tehm is it OK? How long does it take for teh roots to dry?

the material I used EpiWeb (I think the name has recently changed) is totally inert. It only holds what water gets caught, for a brief time, in the nooks and crannies. It only anchors the plant. Hydroton will hold water and, unfortunately over time, salts (fertilizers) I see no need for Spanish moss except to decorate the top. I don't think growers use it as part of a medium mix. Also, it is supposed to harbor critters, so I avoid it.
I've been on 2 week long vacations and after a good soaking, I put the plant away from the window; enclosed the clay pot in a plastic holder and it did fine.
I hope this helps.
Nick
PS This plant has been in this pot for almost 2 years and will be there "forever" as I plan it.

[stefpix]

thanks
wouldnt hydroton be OK if flushed?
I hang my Vandas bare root on my window and I put a bit of spanish moss around the roots to keep some extra humidity... what is the issue with critters? if it harbors them the benefit could be less than the potential damage. should I take it off?
thanks

[cirillonb]

Originally Posted by stefpix

thanks
wouldnt hydroton be OK if flushed?
I hang my Vandas bare root on my window and I put a bit of spanish moss around the roots to keep some extra humidity... what is the issue with critters? if it harbors them the benefit could be less than the potential damage. should I take it off?
thanks

people who use LECA of which hydroton is a type, recommend flushing. The critters, when found, tend to be more annoying to humans than harmful to people or plants, so I am told. Sphagnum moss apparently doesn't have similar problems but the strand type is much more expensive than Spanish moss.
I was just to an orchid show in Washington DC and the vanda exhibitors and sellers have most of their plants bare rooted but not covered with anything. I have never grown anything bare rooted except some small mounted plants and they require almost daily watering.
hope this helps. I am no expert by far so much of what I have related is not from experience. If you want to try what you suggest, or if you have already done it, see what happens and if successful, write an article for the forum.

[stefpix]

what "critters" are in dry moss bought at Lowes?
it must be sterilized.
just wondering...
spanish moss is basically a Tillandsia

[cirillonb]

Originally Posted by stefpix

what "critters" are in dry moss bought at Lowes?
it must be sterilized.
just wondering...
spanish moss is basically a Tillandsia

in fact we believe it is sterilized but I don't think that is advertised or stated. Again, it is not me saying this, just things I have read. If you haven't seen anything good.
Nick

[cirillonb]

Originally Posted by stefpix

what "critters" are in dry moss bought at Lowes?
it must be sterilized.
just wondering...
spanish moss is basically a Tillandsia

I just typed Spanish Moss in the search button at the top of this forum and 2 pages of threads popped up both extolling and condemning its use. Might be interesting reading.
Nick

[trdyl]

Great growing!

[stefpix]

Thanks for THE heads up on spanish moss!

[nancy1617]

to cirillonb:
I am new to orchid board & will definitely read your article on vandas in pots. They are my favorite orchid although I don't have any. I was always scared away by the endless stories of vanda's high maintenance. I am so encouraged to hear someone grows them in pots, in a window with great success.

[stefpix]

somehow if you have a bright window in a room that does not get cold I do not feel Vanda is higher maintenance. If you hang it bare root and water it daily or so it is not difficult.
It is more high maintenance to remember which Dendrobiums need a dry rest. which ones need a cool rest. or being careful to water Phals and Cattleyas enough but not too much.

Vanda culture seems like taking you vitamins every day of the year. hang it one the window, spray the roots every day.... point a 8 $ CFL at it.
no dry rest, no repotting. just a coat hanger!

Isnt it a paradox