Question
Hybrid Vanda Orchid
I live in SE Florida and I found 2 orchids in hanging baskets that our former tenant left behind. The only reason I know they are orchids is because I found a tag in one of them identifying it as a Hybrid Vanda Orchid.
First of all, they have likely been neglected for a long time. They are leggy in both the plant and the roots. They are in baskets with no dirt and the roots are as long as a foot growing all around. The stem that leads up to the only green leaves has what I can't decide are roots or old branches and one of them is almost 3 feet tall.
I've never owned an orchid in my life, but I can't stand the thought of them growing without care and possibly never seeing a blossom. What should I do with them? Should I trim the roots back? What about the height? I understand they don't require soil, I understand about airflow, humidity and circulation. All that seems optimal here. I'd just like for them to be shorter and start to bloom. If you'd like a pic I can send one tomorrow!
Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.
g
AnswerGrace, lucky you. South Florida is a great place to grow vandas. It would be great if the tag contained the name of the plant, but, you can't have everything. With regard to the tall growth with the dormant roots beneath, you can cut it off and anchor it in a new wooden basket. As you mentioned, no potting mix is required, just anchor it well in its new basket. When its warm enough, I just spray mine eary in the morning and let it drain and dry before nightfall. During the rainy season this may not be necessary. Eventually, the root tips will turn green and new roots and leaves will emerge. When you cut off the top growth, be sure to leave at least two or three roots below the leaves when you repot it. You may want to also try to remove a section of the growth below the top part you are removing. That part also should have several roots and you may also fasten that section into a wooden basket. It too may develop leaves and new roots.
In May, my wife and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in Florida as well as visitng our son who works for Darden in Orlando. We hope to attend the Redlands Orchid Festival in the Fruit and Spice Park at Homestead the weekend of May 13-15. You might enjoy attending as it is close by and international in scope.
