Please Help a new guy with a Vanda "Blue Star" - Orchid Board

Nanook 2010 · #1 08-23-2011, 09:38 AM

Hello Forum Members,
My name is Jason and I am a new forum member and a fairly new orchid grower. I live in Western Georgia and my "Blue Star" Vanda is on my front porch. I mist daily and fertilize with a weak 20-20 -20 once a week.

My question is this...It has spiked already and that bloom never opened. It is spiking again but I am worried that the new bloom is also going down the same road. The discoloration along the base worries me also. I have attached a picture and would be grateful for any help.

Thank you

J

RosieC · #2 08-23-2011, 09:48 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board

I'm afraid I don't know very much about Vandas (mine died so not the best person to help

, but just wanted to welcome you and hope someone can help you soon.

Roy · #3 08-23-2011, 09:53 AM

The plant looks good in itself but I think the spike has been sunburnt. The redness in the plant also indicates this. Needs a tad more shade.
BTW, I think the full name of your plant is, V. Robert's Delight 'Blue Star'.

JDT · #4 08-23-2011, 10:21 AM

Jason, I tend to agree with Roy on too much sun. Vanda's like lots of light but we need to protect them from direct sunlight. It looks as if you have this plant out in the open of your porch, try to find somewhere that offers a little more filtering of the direct sunlight.

Vanda's also like LOTS of water, misting is just not enough. You need to make sure the roots of the Vanda get a good soaking and sometimes this will take more then one use of the hose. You want to water until the roots change to a greenish color, if it takes 3 times or more to get this done that is what is required. I water then wait until no more water is dripping from the plant then water again to the same saturation. If your roots are really dry soak them in a bucket for 30-45 minutes, when they have soaked in all the water the roots need you will be able to tell by the color of those roots. Apply your fertilizer the same way, all the nutrition to your Vanda is from the roots of that plant.

Nanook 2010 · #5 08-23-2011, 12:38 PM

Members,
Thank you for the advice. I have moved the Vanda to the other side of the porch - up high where I do not think it will get direct sunlight.

Do you think there is any hope that the flower will bloom?

Appreciate your advice

J

JDT · #6 08-23-2011, 01:03 PM

If it does I am not sure what it will look like, but don't cut the spike until you know for sure, you will be able to tell as it grows.

Nanook 2010 · #7 08-23-2011, 11:29 PM

Will cutting it if it does not bloom make it bloom again more quickly ?

Roy · #8 08-24-2011, 09:50 AM

The plant will put up another spike when its ready, you won't change that. Personally, I would cut the spike of now. If you do a google search for Roberts Delight "Blue Star' you will get a pic easily or try this link.
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