Vandaceous orchid problems...
 

Hello everyone, I've just joined Orchid Board, a pleasure to meet you all.

I grow mainly Phalaenopsis orchids, and am experimenting with other genus of orchids, and it seems to me that I'm horrible with vandaceous orchids.

Firstly, my Aerangis fastuosa, although growing, is not having a 'stable' root system. There's no root growth, and I worry that the root system is collapsing. Currently it's grown in a basket with loosely-packed sphagnum moss. The moss dries out sometimes but I don't think humidity is the reason why the roots are not growing.

Second, my Ascocenda Crownfox Red Delight (Ascda Peggy Foo x V denisoniana). I give it direct sunlight as it seems to be liking it, especially with some growth, unfortunately like most of my other orchids it is reluctant to bloom. I'm kinda foreign to Vanda care, so maybe anyone can help me with this?

Thanks for taking the time to read this...

Get the shpagmum moss out of the basket. If you must, put some in a corner for moisture, but let the vanda decide to grow into it or not. Use larger chunks of bark instead. It will hold some moisture, but will dry out in an hour or so. Soak the roots at least twice a day when they will be able to dry again. Don't let the leaves get wet and lay overnight. Fertilize at least once every two weeks or weakly weekly. Start with about %50 shade and stay with that or gradually introduce to more sun. Too much too quick will burn. Black spotting close and small is normally sunburn.

Where are you growing? State?

I currently have charcoal around the roots, should I change it to sphagnum in this case?

I live in Singapore, a tropical country.

Neverend, as I know, in Singapore or other southeast countries, they grow Ascocendas in their gardens.
You could go around nearby, see how they are grown. Or maybe you could go to " Mandai Orchid Gardens" where you may find the best way for your ascocendas.

I think I'll pay a visit to the Singapore Orchid Garden, the Mandai Orchid Garden had more terete Vandas and lesser variety.

If you go to Google, you may find the exact growing conditions for your area. The moss will tend to stay way too wet for way too long. I use it as a humidity prop as I live in hot dry conditions. However, any root that meets with that moss will stay wet for too long. The charcoal is good. Lots of light, but not too quickly.

Okay, thanks for the information.

For now, I think I'll increase the watering regime to twice daily, hopefully it'll work.

Vandas are gluttons...the key is water, water, water!
I'm in Florida, the vandas are around the pool so they get about 20% shading. For some, this is too much and they are in a slighty less bright area. I heavily mist the roots at least twice a day...I add another misting in the heat of summer here. I would think you need the same in your area.

Keep trying, don't give up! My first vanda struggled for almost two years, then I started watering and feeding them much more and I am happy to say they are all doing well...I have over 30 at this time :)

Vandas are some of my best. My husband's favorite. I agree with Charles and CB977. Water, water, water! I am a diligent with a water hose, actually rain water, me being a fanatic. I only water once a day, which may not be enough. I keep a 5 gallon bucket of water right there by my setup, which is outside. I also have a pump sprayer. The smaller ones I dunk, while the bigger ones I spray while being dunked since the roots are to high up on the plant. When I figure out how to post pics I will.

Thanks for the information! I'm increasing the watering to at least twice a day now, especially when the humidity seems to have dropped because of hotter and dryer weather here.

And here is where the group diverges, I like to keep some kind of moisture holding medium available for the plant to draw from if it wants. Large bark or cork, a wooden basket has been the standard upholding this concept for years. It holds moisture for a while. The plant will use it to supplement it's water needs between waterings.

Hm, I thought of using sphagnum, but there are a lot of dangling aerial roots which makes it hard for me to use medium efficiently.