Question
the stem of my vanda orchid has started turning black. I've looked online for remedies and they all recommend cutting off the infected area. it's just a seedling, will the still healthy part of the stalk grow if i re-plant it? or is my orchid done for?

Answer
Hello Alison,

The advice you read is right, cut off the infected black part if it is the top only.  Be sure to cut below the infection to ensure you're getting it all, even a little bit can cause the infection to continue.  To make sure, check the cut to see if there is any evidence of black, even a really tiny speck and you should cut more off until the cut is clean.  Also, use a new or clean cutter for each cut because you do not want to chance the infection being in the sap on the cutter.  I prefer using industrial grade single-edge razors for this purpose, cut then throw them away, they are relatively inexpensive at paint or hardware stores.  

Although the vanda plant will not look very good, it may send out a side growth from the stem.  If it does and it grows and begins to send out aerial roots, wait until it has 3 or more of them and you can cut it off and put it in a pot.  

But, if the black infection is on the lower part of the stem, I'm afraid the vanda is probably a goner.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.