yellow leaves

[fireman1954]

My Vanda leaves are turning yellow from the bottom up. I've had it for about a month. I water it by putting it in a sink of water for about ten minutes a day in the morning. It's in a south facing window over a handmade humidity tray and it has about four leaves left on it. What am I doing wrong?

[WhiteRabbit]

Is this potted? Bare root?
If potted, what's the potting media?

[fireman1954]

It's in a slotted basket.

---------- Post added at 07:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 PM ----------

Sorry no potting medium.

[WhiteRabbit]

I only have one Vanda type that might be comparable - a holcoglossum, and it's potted, so I'm not the most knowledgeable on this topic .... I think we can rule out over watering; perhaps it needs more water. I know that growers in Florida may water bare root Vandas a couple times a day.

Hopefully, more experienced Vanda growers will chime in!

[CR7cristiano]

Post a pic for me so i can use that to help with what sort of advice I will give as to why. I see where you said you let it sit in water in the sink for 10 minutes. That's a no no, orchids especially a vanda does not like to sit in water especially for so long. If you have it under a running pipe for a few minutes that is more than sufficient.
Post a photo though please.

[fireman1954]

[fireman1954]

[fireman1954]

I live in Illinois so I have it in the house until it warms up.

[CR7cristiano]

Increase the humidity using trays filled with water set around your orchid. Water early in the mornings around 7am and fertilize every other day. I say water early because orchids actively absorb nutrients early in the mornings. I always recommend watering with fresh water right before fertilizing so the roots are more absorbent. Mist once or twice throughout the day if it gets hot. Since not outside yet set it at a south facing window with some shade. Continue this regimen until you see some new root growth. Remember when you increase humidity to ensure that you increase air movement around the plant or at least put it at a window or space that gets light breezes.
I always spray my vandas once a month w/ fungicide for maintenance as well just to ward of bacteria that may arise from continuous temperature fluctuations.

[fireman1954]

I thank everyone for your response. I'll try it and keep you posted.