Trim dead Vanda roots?

[tucker85]

I've been growing orchids for many years but I'm new to Vandas. In fact I bought my first one last month. The Vandas I bought have lots of good healthy roots that turn green when watered. But there are some obviously dead brown roots on the plants. Do any of you trim off dead brown roots or do you just leave the roots alone? Is there any down side to trimming them?

[Gin]

Funny you would ask. I trimmed the dried up oldies yesterday . I have not been good about doing it , they were starting to become a mess ..

[JDT]

I asked that same question to Martin Motes and he said that there should not be any problems with trimming new or old roots as long as you don't cut the good ones to far back. I had a Vanda that had roots almost 3 feet long, I cut those back to about a foot long and the Vanda is doing great and the roots have grown from when I cut them.

[tucker85]

Thanks for passing that information along, JDT. I certainly trust Martin Motes opinions.

[natasha]

i would trim those that are brown and wiry. but i'd be more careful if the vanda has little roots. usually i won't trim those that are brown and hard, except if the plant have many more healthy roots.

[JDT]

I have followed what Martin suggest in his Florida Orchid Growing book and I can only say that all my orchids are doing so much better.