Trying to revive a rootless Vanda tricolor cutting

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

I got this cutting from a local grower. The cutting is from a mature plant that has been growing outdoors in coastal San Diego for a long time.

This is the first time I am trying to root a rootless Vanda, so this is an exciting challenge personally. I soaked the cutting in water with SuperThrive everyday for 3 days. Now I wrapped some sphagnum moss around end to help induce a root or two. The cutting is hung upside down in my indoor mini green house where temperature ranges from 72-79 F, low-end cattleya light, and 60-80% humidity. I am excited to see if this one is going to live or not... stay tuned!

If you have rooted a rootless vanda before, please share your experience!

[WhiteRabbit]

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

Thanks Sonya!

[fishmom]

I'm curious as to why you have put the vanda upside down. Do you think there is some advantage to that position?

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by fishmom

I'm curious as to why you have put the vanda upside down. Do you think there is some advantage to that position?

Probably easier than trying to hang it upright. Good luck with it.

[Fairorchids]

if you hang it upside down, the plant will extend energy on trying to grow a 180 degree 'turn', so the tip can grow up. Since it needs to grow roots first of all, please hang it right way up (tie stem to the hanger).

[stonedragonfarms]

If you're consistently 65-80% humidity, be careful the moss doesn't stay too moist and rot the plant. I know I see roots on bare root cattleyas under similar conditions in 10-14 days; keep us updated. Good luck.


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[JambaJungle]

Can't wait to hear updates/results. I find vandas by far the hardest to propagate. I grow outdoors in south FL, in almost ideal Vanda conditions, very hot, very humid, excellent light. Root growth on healthy plants couldn't be more vigorous. However i have had no success in rooting cuttings. I have tried it all, root hormones, seaweed, sphagnum......all have failed.

[KonaLady]

I rooted this piece of semiterete vanda. It was completely rootless and green with no older hardened off part at all. I just laid it on the bench with the rest of the plants so it got watered with them. I live in Kona so it is warm and humid year round, and I water almost daily. I really wasn't expecting it to root, and was very surprised. It look a LONG time - maybe as long as a year. I have had it about three years now, and it has healthy root growth (even sending roots into the ground). It has gotten quite large. It is finally showing signs of putting out a spike. I think you have done everything right (except for the upside down as noted). Be patient - as long as it doesn't die, there is always hope!
(As a point of interest, if you have been to the Big Island, this vanda is a piece I found lying on the ground at the Painted Church in Kealakekua. There are several giant old vandas that are growing wild there.)
20160829_160359 by Jo Beth E, on Flickr