vanda help

Discussion in 'Orchidaceae (orchids)' started by acphm, Dec 11, 2007.

  1. acphm

    acphm Member

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    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    I bought 3 vandas several weeks ago, 1 strap-leaf 2 mini semi-teretes. I have them in a south facing window in their original clay pots and only water once a week. I try to mist daily, but only remember 2 or 3 times. My trouble is that I can't tell whether they're dying or just poorly surviviing. The leaves near the bottom are yellowing...I've lost 4 on one alone. The minis are showing signs of new leaf growth at the tip, but I just noticed the top pair of leaves on one has a pattern on black spots. I'd like to check the roots but I can't seem to find any info on how they're supposed to look when they're healthy. Any help or direction would be appreciated.
     
  2. arcticshaun

    arcticshaun Active Member

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    Location:
    Yellowknife, NWT, Canada
    Generally Vanda's need warm temperatures, high humidity and lots of light. I do have one Vanda under lights but I'm not going to claim that it's happy (it's in a cold dim version of orchid hell). Having said that there are many Vanda orchids grown by Canadians so don't give up hope. I don't know your watering practices but a weekly soaking (like in a bucket) probably is enough in winter light but they will need more by spring. You say southern exposure, is this on a window sill (and if so how cool does it get)? Cooler temps, lower light conditions and moisture are a recipe for disaster for an southeast Asian warmth loving Vanda. Monitor your conditions with a max/min thermometer and see how your doing (I'd be thinking temps +20 C min to max +35 C). Good luck.

    Shaun
     
  3. acphm

    acphm Member

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    Hi Shaun,

    I never thought there could be a cold hell, but I think you're right...my orchids must be there too. They're on the window sill of a south-facing bay window and it does get a bit cool. My only hesitation in moving them away from the sill is the lower light intensity. But I guess that's what electric lights are for, eh?

    Thanks for the suggestions!

    Amy
     

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