Question
QUESTION: I have my vandas located outdoors, north east sun exposure. Is it ok to leave this plants even in the rainy season where they will get wet almost 3 or 4 times a week?

Thank you so much for any help. I am a new orchid owner with about 10 vandas to care for(gift by a friend)

ANSWER: Steve, it partly depends upon how it is potted. It should be in a basket
and hung in a way that that allows the breezes to dry it out fairly quickly after a rain. Also, there should be little or no potting mix in the basket as that can hold moisture longer. Be sure the plant is well anchored in its basket. Finally, watch for temperature drops as most vandas prefer it very warm to hot (ie 80 degrees +).

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QUESTION: These vandas I am referring to have attached their roots on one long tree branch, which means they are all mixed up with their roots intertwined, etc. They do not have a potting media.I noticed that some of the leaves are turning reddish brown with little black spots. Are these fungus and how do I treat them. I do not want to use chemicals as these are hazardous to health, especially the spray type. Thank you again Wayne.

Answer
Steve, thanks for clarifying the growing situation. As you have described the leaves, it sounds like they're just getting exposed to a high light level.  This reddish cast occurs in many terete leaved orchids including Brassavola nodosa.  It should be okay as long as the exposure to this high light level isn't so prolonged as to cause a burn.  The little black specks could also be a normal melanin deposition in the leaf, again, related to the high light level.  Be on the watch for scale insects as some types are also dark and quite samll.  Send a picture if you can.