To pot or not to pot.... a vanda

[charmbutterfly]

I was wondering what method you guys prefer for vandas whether it be bare root, moss or potting?
What do you think works best?
And if you do pot your vandas, what do you have in your mix?

[flhiker]

Hi, I have 2 Vanda's both are potted with bark,charcoal mix. My reason for this is that I worry that I can't water enough. Both are doing good new roots and leaves. But I know most everone bare roots them and they do well. I now sure how much you need to water for bare root. I water once a week with 1/4 strength fertilizer and mist every other day with water only for the ones in pots. I hope this helps and good luck

[charmbutterfly]

Originally Posted by flhiker

Hi, I have 2 Vanda's both are potted with bark,charcoal mix. My reason for this is that I worry that I can't water enough. Both are doing good new roots and leaves. But I know most everone bare roots them and they do well. I now sure how much you need to water for bare root. I water once a week with 1/4 strength fertilizer and mist every other day with water only for the ones in pots. I hope this helps and good luck

Hey flhiker

That's the same problem i am worried about!! It gets very dry here in santa clarita and the humidity is low and i can't water every day. So i am afraid of leaving vandas bare rooted.
Do you use medium or coarse bark?

[flhiker]

It a medium size.

[smweaver]

I also have my vandas (and aerides) potted. They're in clay pots with LOTS of styrofoam packed around the roots in the bottom half of the pot. The top half of the pot is filled with coarse-grade coconut husk chips. If I lived in a climate that allowed me to grow them outdoors throughout the year, I might try to grow them in the "traditional" method of basket culture with little or no mix around the roots. But, like Dave, I'm not sure that I could provide them with sufficient water that way. I do let them go completely dry, however, between waterings in the winter months, and I've never had a problem with root rot. In fact, the plants really seem to like the coconut husk chips and make extensive root systems through the pots (Be cautious if you use this potting medium, though, since coconut sometimes has a reputation for containing salts from wherever they're processed. I soak batches of husks in five-gallon buckets of RO water, completely changing the water three times over a three day period, prior to use.).

Steve

[charmbutterfly]

Originally Posted by smweaver

I also have my vandas (and aerides) potted. They're in clay pots with LOTS of styrofoam packed around the roots in the bottom half of the pot. The top half of the pot is filled with coarse-grade coconut husk chips. If I lived in a climate that allowed me to grow them outdoors throughout the year, I might try to grow them in the "traditional" method of basket culture with little or no mix around the roots. But, like Dave, I'm not sure that I could provide them with sufficient water that way. I do let them go completely dry, however, between waterings in the winter months, and I've never had a problem with root rot. In fact, the plants really seem to like the coconut husk chips and make extensive root systems through the pots (Be cautious if you use this potting medium, though, since coconut sometimes has a reputation for containing salts from wherever they're processed. I soak batches of husks in five-gallon buckets of RO water, completely changing the water three times over a three day period, prior to use.).

Steve

That's a great idea!! But it is tough to get coconut husk out here. I think i will try the coarse bark and some coal. I read somewhere that the coal can be toxic to the plants roots. Is that true?

[cb977]

Most of my vandas are way too big for pots but the few I have that are small enough are in pots with aliflor or on mounts.

What vandas do you have...or which ones are you planning on getting?

[charmbutterfly]

Originally Posted by cb977

Most of my vandas are way too big for pots but the few I have that are small enough are in pots with aliflor or on mounts.

What vandas do you have...or which ones are you planning on getting?

The hubby is taking me to the gallup and striblings orchid store right now, so i will tell you all when i get back

This is the one i ordered on ebay Vanda Manuvadee 'Blue' FCC



Let's hope i can squeeze a few more out of him
Yesterday was one year since he proposed to me and he did it near the orchid place on the beach, so i'm turning my charmer on and hoping for more orchids!!
Wish me

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by cb977

Most of my vandas are way too big for pots but the few I have that are small enough are in pots with aliflor or on mounts.

Hi Susanne,

How often do you have to water your Vandas in Aliflor?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by charmbutterfly

The hubby is taking me to the gallup and striblings orchid store right now, so i will tell you all when i get back

This is the one i ordered on ebay Vanda Manuvadee 'Blue' FCC



Let's hope i can squeeze a few more out of him
Yesterday was one year since he proposed to me and he did it near the orchid place on the beach, so i'm turning my charmer on and hoping for more orchids!!
Wish me

Congrats on the anniversary
I can't wait to see what you come home with

V Manuvadee is a GREAT vanda! You made a very good choice...mine blooms twice a year...and it's gorgeous!!!