fertilizing bare root vandas

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by CR7cristiano

Vandas go dormant due to severe shock or significantly lower day & night temperatures with limited amount of light. This triggers dormancy escpecially extended periods of lack of any significant light. At this point your vanda with slow any growth significantly or entirely until temp go up and more light is given.
Note: day length plays a major factor bc based on the amount of light and time that light is present during a day will signal to the plant the change of seasons.

So becAuse my vandas have not yet completed a full year for me, where the photo period is adjusted, I can expect them to go dormant when I simulate winter?

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by Pilot

So becAuse my vandas have not yet completed a full year for me, where the photo period is adjusted, I can expect them to go dormant when I simulate winter?

If you feel that you must simulate winter then they can. I'm not sure why you would want to though. Vandas have periods where they rest between blooms but continue active vegetative growth; they just curtail flowering for a short time.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by CR7cristiano

If you feel that you must simulate winter then they can. I'm not sure why you would want to though. Vandas have periods where they rest between blooms but continue active vegetative growth; they just curtail flowering for a short time.

That's simple to answer: I have many plants that rely on a drop in temps and photo period to spark spiking. The lights out longer lowers the night temp. Works like a charm.

[CR7cristiano]

I have my vandas outside in the tropics and they have several spikes back to back year rounds and then a few may take a month off or so regardless of time of year. Only vandas that take a good rest are my coerulea crosses with V. Coerulea as one of the parents as well as my V. Coerulea specie Vandas. So dont feel like you need to induce a rest period, just keep them happy and they will handle the rest.

[Vanda lover]

I fertilize half strength [1/4 tsp] year round. I found that in vase culture you really need to be careful not to over water. If the plant has a good root system, it only needs soaking once a week and misting the rest of the time. It's different for seedlings, though. they need more. I haven't grown bare root because I find it difficult to get the watering right in the home. The one time I tried it I watered daily and almost killed the plant.

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[CR7cristiano]

Oh dear. Bare root in the home isnt hard at all though....all you need is to mist till roots are at capacity early mornings and if really hot and dry minimal mist to roots and leaf; roots must not even get dark green. The plant will just absorb the moisture this will create in the air. Everything is just knowledge and adjustment.

[Susie11]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I fertilize half strength [1/4 tsp] year round. I found that in vase culture you really need to be careful not to over water. If the plant has a good root system, it only needs soaking once a week and misting the rest of the time. It's different for seedlings, though. they need more. I haven't grown bare root because I find it difficult to get the watering right in the home. The one time I tried it I watered daily and almost killed the plant.

Really? So I guess you only feed them when you soak it once a week then?

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by CR7cristiano

I have my vandas outside in the tropics and they have several spikes back to back year rounds and then a few may take a month off or so regardless of time of year. Only vandas that take a good rest are my coerulea crosses with V. Coerulea as one of the parents as well as my V. Coerulea specie Vandas. So dont feel like you need to induce a rest period, just keep them happy and they will handle the rest.

Wish I could grow in the tropics! But I kinda do...with my grow space, that is. But my phals and other plants need that photo period change so everyone gets it! Lol

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by Susie11

Really? So I guess you only feed them when you soak it once a week then?

Yes I do, and they do fine this way. But maybe it is unnecessary. All I can say is I've been doing it for years.

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by Pilot

Wish I could grow in the tropics! But I kinda do...with my grow space, that is. But my phals and other plants need that photo period change so everyone gets it! Lol

Well I say do what works and if that means you are limited to a space then do what is best for the group. Wouldn't want you neglecting your other orchids for a Vanda