What is wrong with my Vanda Pachara Delight?? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

JennS · #11 10-01-2008, 12:40 PM

I am glad I could help (hopefully). It is a scary thing to go cutting roots or into the plant, but sometimes you just don't have a choice. It is better to go out on a limb (like Soonix did also with cutting the roots) the wait until it is too late. Good luck. Be patient too though because it did take at least a week or more before the root tip started growing (the first one) the second and third were slower. Also, it took mine about 2 months before the leaves started to actually look better and more hydrated (if you look at the plant initially you can see how wrinkled they were). Keep us posted!!!

JanetOS · #12 10-01-2008, 01:01 PM

I do wish I had realized that the roots were in such bad shape during the early part of the summer and cut them off. I have had to do that before, and it did seem to help the plant put out healthy roots. Also, I could put the orchid into a wooden basket if I top cut it like that and not damage the orchid. I didn't want to do that when I first got it because it looked healthy.
I did put some spag around the top of the root system, but not in the basket around the bottom, because honestly the bottom of the orchid roots do look dead.
So, I should see results in a couple of weeks?????
I hope I hope I hope!!

JennS · #13 10-01-2008, 02:28 PM

I think it sounds hopeful. I have just recently started trimming off roots that are dead or on their way out and I have seen a great surge of root development after that. I don't know if it was just that, or the introduction of superthrive, or a combination, but I swear, I think it helped. I had a couple that did nothing until I gave them a trim and now they have some new roots as well as growth off the old roots.

JanetOS · #14 10-22-2008, 02:09 PM

I uncovered the roots yesterday, and nothing, still looks sorta shriveled. I guess I may try hanging upside down, so the roots will be closer to the mister. I'll keep you all posted. Soonix, I would love to hear your progress as well. Thanks. Janet

cb977 · #15 10-22-2008, 03:29 PM

Hi Janet

When you are watering, do you make sure the white outer part of the root gets translucent so you can see the green inside? If it doesn't happen on the first watering, wait 20 minutes then go do it again. The roots must be green to show that they are indeed absorbing the water they need.

This was a bit of advice I got from Dr Motes two years ago and once I started paying attention to that, the vandas got really happy

Jkelee · #16 10-22-2008, 04:12 PM

Hi Janet, When ever I have a sad little vanda, no heathly roots, I put them in a basket. With Lava rocks and sphag moss, 60/40 or so.
And within a month or so, I see new roots shooting out! Even new roots shooting out of the dead dry looking roots too.
I have them outside in a shade home, and water daily, if it doesn't rain.

Good luck with your babies

Just some pics of my babies that I put in the baskets with lave/sphag this summer.
The new roots that came out, as they were some SORRY Vanda's! They came from a bad Ebay seller that way.

Uechi · #17 10-22-2008, 04:16 PM

Vandas like bright light, but not necessarily direct. You state that you water the plants twice a day. How long do you water them? You should water vandas till the silvery velum on the live roots turns green. The easiest way to do this is to water them heavily walk away and water your other plants then come back and do it again. Water early. I would advise against pruning roots. It may work for some people some times, but vandas are notorious for sulking and not growing for years when you mess with their roots. You can encourage new root growth with Essentials Plus a natural root hormone compound. Check out Jerry Meola's web site Orchids and More. He is a grower in Florida and has had success with this natural formula.

JanetOS · #18 10-22-2008, 04:24 PM

Hi Uechi,
I have a mister that I turn on for an hour a day twice a day, plus watering. I am thinking it is probable that the orchid was hanging to low to get any benefit from the mister to the roots. That is why I decided to hang it upside down for a week or two and see if there is a difference. Could you post a link to that website?? I have never heard of him before.
Thanks.
Janet

JennS · #19 10-22-2008, 06:24 PM

I am sorry to hear it is not working for you Janet, but I am glad you aren't giving up on the plant. Good luck with it, and keep us posted on the progress.

JanetOS · #20 10-22-2008, 07:46 PM

Thanks, Jenn, I think it is probably the time of year, the heat, and humidity. Had I done this in June, I think I would've had as much success as you. I just had to look more carefully at how much water this one was getting. I think the upside down method just might help it get back on its feet, to help it get more water directly to the roots.
I don't give up, as long as I see the tiniest piece of green!! LOL!!!
Janet