Got a Vanda as a free gift--can I even grow it in PA?

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This is a discussion on Got a Vanda as a free gift--can I even grow it in PA? within the New Growers: Ask the Senior Members forums, part of the New Growers category; I received an orchid shipment today in the mail, and it included a small bare ...

Real NameJennMy Grow AreaSunroomFavorite Orchid(s)Whatever's in bloom today!Join DateApr 2012GenderLocationPennsylvaniaPosts10 Got a Vanda as a free gift--can I even grow it in PA?

I received an orchid shipment today in the mail, and it included a small bare root Vanda as a free gift. Everything I've researched about these says you need to mount them or hang them, then soak the roots every day. They also need bright light. I live in PA, my orchids are all indoors, and I have no means of mounting this properly without soaking the carpet beneath it when I water it.

When I was thinking about the conditions this orchid likes, it occurred to me that it might be happy in these "water balls" I purchased. The balls soak up water, then slowly release it as the plant needs it. I'm thinking this might work for the Vanda because the roots could get to the air in between the balls, but the roots would have access to moisture in a continuous high-humidity environment.

Light is another issue altogether, but I'd just like someone's take on whether you think this "water ball" idea would even work. I don't want to kill the little guy within the first 48 hours! So this is what it looks like right now, on the windowsill where it would be grown, in a vase with water balls. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I don't see why it shouldn't work, though I've never used the water balls before. But I see that you have a very healthy looking, spiking dendrobium next to it. Where I live, dendrobes and vanda thrive under the same conditions. Vandas are tough and not likely to die in the next 48 hours. Any way that young vanda plant looks extremely healthy to me. Have you considered using bark for the growing medium?

Orchids are very eloquent.They tell their master by their appearance , how they are treated.
H.G. Reichenbach

Real NameJennMy Grow AreaSunroomFavorite Orchid(s)Whatever's in bloom today!Join DateApr 2012GenderLocationPennsylvaniaPosts10

Thanks! I was actually under the impression that bark was undesirable for Vandas. Are people successfully growing them in bark? If so, I'll give it a try.

My Grow AreaPorch/Patio.Favorite Orchid(s)VandaJoin DateApr 2012GenderLocationLos Angeles, CAPosts15

nice free gift! did they tell you the hybrid or species name? i live in california where it is very dry, and have kept a vanda relative alive for a long time in large grade orchid bark. i mist the aerial roots regularly as well as a good soaking once to twice a week depending on temperatures. it lives outside in warm months, and comes inside in cool months. i have tried mounting in the past, but everything dessicates eventually. i have never used (or even heard) of these water balls. vanda roots do like to dry out some between waterings, so if those balls are really wet all the time, it might eventually cause a problem with root-rot. if they are just damp, you might be just fine. i have seen a trend in europe with vandas where people grow them in glass vases, with no media at all. you fill the vase with water for 20 minutes or so, then dump it out. but you have to do it every day i think for optimum care. i have recently been buying small vandas and potting them up in different methods to see what does best for my dry weather. keep us posted on how they do, i'd love to see if these water balls do well.

Looks good to me too. Happy vanda growing!

cheers,
BD

Hi Jenn! I must say that considering the circumstances coeruleo grows his Vandaceous orchid under he is giving you some good information and advice. I would only add that you should keep a eye out and see if this plant starts putting out new roots and eventually leaves. Coeruleo's advice about allowing for some drying of the roots is right on, so I would check the roots from time to time to make sure they are not constantly wet. Good luck with these 'balls' and I hope they work out well. Look forward to hearing about your cultural results in the future. AL

Real NameLeaf MiteMy Grow AreaWindowsillFavorite Orchid(s)Catts, Angs, fragrant orchidsJoin DateSep 2010LocationOhioPosts90

I use plastic vanda baskets and lava rock and set the baskets on plastic square plates. No mess, the vandas are happy, and I don't need to water daily.
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Real NameLeaf MiteMy Grow AreaWindowsillFavorite Orchid(s)Catts, Angs, fragrant orchidsJoin DateSep 2010LocationOhioPosts90

That is a strap-leaf Vanda and they will bloom even grown indoors. I keep mine in a south-facing window during winter and put them out for the summer.
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