Almost dead vanda... or so I think

[Cookiemonster]

I just bought a vanda from orchids.com or norman orchids, and this vanda is small but the leaves some of the ends are black, some appear to be cut off, the roots seem to be a mess, most of them appear to be dark brown (dry I'd believe) or dead and I want to know does this sound like a healthy plant or not, if not then I'll be calling them back later today and asking for a refund or a different plant ...

Based on what Im finding online I'm very irritated might I add, the spike was brown (dry and dead) as well ....


Let me know what you think, I'll try to take pictures, but it might be awhile...

[D&S Mabel]

It's hard to tell from your description if the plant is "healthy". Can you post a photo?

[caseydoll]

Do the roots turn green at all when you wet them? Vanda roots remind me of phal roots if you are at all experienced with them. What looks rotty and dead on a phal will look similar on a vanda. Pics would definately help. I don't think brown or cut off leaf tips is a really big deal. But I don't think that would be an acceptable plant to send to someone unless it is stated that the plant has some blemishes and such.

[Cookiemonster]

here are a lot of them, so I just thought I'd take everyones view on them...

[Cookiemonster]

Some more pictures of the plant.... I contacted the vendor and he said " send me pictures and I'll have a specialist evaluate the health and such....." I seriously want a new plant or a refund... *sigh*

[starwhiz]

the roots of the vanda looks like the roots of my vanda. some are still green, light and some are dark/brown. When i wet the root, most of the roots turn green.

[Candice]

Cookiemonster,
Wow, I am sorry to hear that happened to you!
I thought my plants from ebay were gonna look shabby, but I was sooo surprised they weren't and I am very happy with them, to include my first vanda, which was sent in spike, and and large also.
The roots on yours look ok, but when you mist, water and feed do your roots turn green afterwards, like in a minute or two? They are suppossed to. You may wanna try dunking the basket into a large bucket of water with a lil feed treat. But then again, mine has only been with me for almost two weeks, so there's plenty of time for it to crumble under my care!
I would be a lil upset also if I received a plant like that if they didn't describe it properly or take pictures before I bought it.
How long have you had this vanda?

[Cookiemonster]

Hello Candice, thanks for the support, only 2 of the roots turn green and instantly turn white, the rest of them are dead as they dont change color at all, I dont know what to do with it, I sent these pictures to the vendor and Im very disappointed you know- I paid money and they assure arrival of a healthy plant- this is very short of healthy, you know? ... So I will call in the afternoon and see what they think, cause Im not going to wait forever on it, I specifically asked for replacement/refund and such... so we'll see how good a vendor orchids.com is... owell...

Oh yes and I've had this vanda for just under 24 hours, so there is no way I've done any of that damage,

Im glad to hear that at least people on ebay still have a conscious,
show me pictures, I love to see healthy plants, btw its great to hear you got great plants

[Phantasm]

The roots look okay, the plant looks dessicated and some of the bent leaves probably happened when shipped. A good bath would probably perk it up.
I would hope for a better quality plant, although perhaps some of the problem is due to high temperatures during shipping.

[caseydoll]

I agree with everyone. I definately think your vanda will be okay with some TLC. There seems to be enough healthy roots for it to make it. Probably does need a good soaking. The leaves are pretty banged up but I think those will be fine too, it'll just be a little homely for awhile. I think the seller should just give you that one and give you another or refund. It's not okay to send a plant like that! Especially if you bought it in spike. That spike looks like it hasn't been alive in awhile but I'm no expert that's for sure! Good luck and I hope it all works out for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed!