Vanda has gotten very long. What to do?

[Junebug]

If you would prefer not to top the plant you might be able to reduce the length by fashioning some sort of sling for the roots. Maybe the roots could be gently wrapped into a loose circle and nestled into a large empty wire basket suspended directly beneath the plant.

[CaptFrank]

I think I will hang a 12" wood basket about 12" below the 12" wood slat and layer the roots in the basket. It will add some weight but I can make longer hangers so it can continue to grow higher.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by CaptFrank

I think I will hang a 12" wood basket about 12" below the 12" wood slat and layer the roots in the basket. It will add some weight but I can make longer hangers so it can continue to grow higher.

Sounds good, but my concern is for new root growth attaching to the new wood basket...unless you want them to do so, of course. The roots might be less prone to attach to a wire basket and they could be released to dangle in the air should you decide to enter your lovely plant in a judged competition.

[johnblagg]

it may sound strange but ....

I have heard of people winding the roots into a coil and fastening them up sooo....
Maybe you could fashion some kind of wire frame in a tube shape and wrap the roots around it from the top like rope on a tube almost touching but not quite touching each other....it could be attached to the bottom of the basket the plant is in and that would effectivly shorten them but no cutting involved.

Might be a problem if repotting was needed but you should be able to uncoil them in that case I think.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by johnblagg

it may sound strange but ....

I have heard of people winding the roots into a coil and fastening them up sooo....
Maybe you could fashion some kind of wire frame in a tube shape and wrap the roots around it from the top like rope on a tube almost touching but not quite touching each other....it could be attached to the bottom of the basket the plant is in and that would effectivly shorten them but no cutting involved.

Might be a problem if repotting was needed but you should be able to uncoil them in that case I think.

That sounds good too.

A large plastic hair clip might even work. Clips designed for holding thick hair would have ample space for several roots. They're hinged and designed much like spike clips, only much larger. One would have to shop around in the "hair care section" to find the right design with no gripper teeth and a large hollow opening to prevent root compression.

[rdlsreno]

Here is a link topping vandas. Hope it helps. Don't cut the roots! Link. http://rockhamptonorchidsociety.com....g%20Vandas.pdf

Ramon

[nenella]

Hi all, I too find this thread very helpful.
when I read Masdymans post I thought to share a photo..

Originally Posted by Masdyman

Another option is in Vase culture ,where the roots are in a large glass vase then you could stand the plant where ever you like at eye level but still with good light.

I have had this plant : Ascocenda Princess Micassi 'Blue' in a big vase.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by rdlsreno

Here is a link topping vandas. Hope it helps. Don't cut the roots! Link. http://rockhamptonorchidsociety.com....g%20Vandas.pdf

Ramon

Thanks for the link. Looks like my semi-terete will be a good candidate for topping. My daughter will be thrilled to have a start of this plant.

[orchids3]

Hi.
A lot of people do cut roots off - about half way up from the ground.
In fact one of our recent speakers - a big commercial Vanda grower - recomended it.
I have often cut the vanda cane half or more thru the stalk - below some of the roots. The result is that the top develops more roots and can be safely removed later and the bottom branches and kiki's. Use a sterile cutting tool when you half sever the cane.

[CTB]

I'd moisten the roots and put the roots in a big pot with river rock, but still keep it hanging. Then you might be able to bring it down to eye level. I'm a root lover, they are so intriguing. That to me is what makes a Vanda.