Vanda propagation- large overgrown plants

[JambaJungle]

I have several old vandas that have grown to over 4'. I have cut the tops off, making sure I included sufficient roots. The bottoms all have large healthy root systems, so I would assume they should sprout a new growth lead. Ten weeks and counting, and no activity. I'm getting continued new root growth, but no new growing leads.
Anyone out there with experience on this? Am I wasting my time? Most of what I have heard says to discard the bottoms, but I have to believe mother nature will kick in and stimulate the plant to survive!

[Plodde]

Very interested to see what people have to say about this topic.
I recently had to cut the top off my Aerides houlletiana due to what i thought was really bad sunburn.
Now I'm wondering if i will get new growth!!
how exciting.

[My Green Pets]

The bottoms will start new growths, perhaps multiple. Just be patient, they will come.

[RosieC]

I've read that they can start new growths that way. I've not tried it as I've not been successful with Vandas in any way, but I think if they were healthy plants it should work.

[JDT]

The vanda's that I have cut, what was left of the old plant I have given to a friend and all of them have put out new growth, it takes some time so don't give up!

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by JambaJungle

Ten weeks and counting, and no activity. I'm getting continued new root growth, but no new growing leads.
Anyone out there with experience on this? Am I wasting my time? Most of what I have heard says to discard the bottoms, but I have to believe mother nature will kick in and stimulate the plant to survive!

Don't be discouraged by an unusually long period of delay after topping your vandas. I have had similar problems with V. tricolor, Aer. odorata, and several hybrids that were too tall for their space. In most cases it took 3 - 6 months before the plants started to grow again, the aerides took almost 15 months, but eventually all have given me at least 1 new growing lead from their bases.

[Bud]

You really have to be very patient. The top usually recovers fast but the bottom part needs a bit of recovering to do....since it has the most established roots; it will bring forth basal new growth and sometimes it might continue to have new leaves where you cut it.

[JambaJungle]

Thanks to all who replied. So far, sounds like although it may be a slow process......it is worth the wait.

[Fairorchids]

I usually wait till the plant sprouts a basal keiki before I take the top cutting. That way there is no waiting period.

[My Green Pets]

Just an idea, kelp fertilizer seems to encourage root growth and increase incidence of basal keikis. You might try some.