vanda root problem - Orchid Board

flytrap7108 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 07:27 PM

hi i have a vanda and it has been doing very well for 2 months infact it is now in spike. But the problem is no matter how many times i water it the roots seem to stop growing and the green tips are shrinking. i have it in an inclosed system with about 70% humidity and above and the temp is very hot. it is about 90 degrees so i think im doing everything right. i water it once or twice a day and i dunk the whole plant in a bucket of water for about 30 min or so and take out. The plant is in a plastic basket with the roots hanging down so i just cant find the problem. the roots are looseing there green tips

this is bad. I was just wondering if anyone has had this problem before or nos whats wrong.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 07:31 PM

Nothing's wrong. If the roots are still alive, they're just taking a rest until it's time for them to grow again. They'll repeatedly do this until they are strong enough to put out longer segments of roots.

flytrap7108 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 07:35 PM

cool thanks for the help i hope thats it lol

Beaveljeez · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2009, 12:31 AM

Yes, I have a couple vandas that did the same thing and now the roots are growing like crazy. Just give it some time.

Ray · #5 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 11:22 AM

I agree that all is likely just fine, but to be sure we've covered all bases...

Tell us about your water supply and feeding regimen, as they can affect roots, too.

flytrap7108 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 01:34 AM

Okay well I water all my orchids with rain water and the ones that are mounted or in a basket like the Vanda I have I water everyday. But when I can't get rain water I water my plants with the well water. Could the well water have a big afect on the roots because that to me could be it. Ever since my last post on this thread the roots showed no signs of growth and they are starting to die. So at this point I have no idea what's going on.

flytrap7108 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 01:38 AM

I also haven't been using any fertilizer on the plant yet.first I want to get it to grow a little before I give it any at all

orchidsamore · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 08:04 AM

You are very young and need to learn patience.

It is very common for Vanda and most orchids to not grow roots or leaves when it is in flower. It is a simple matter for the plant conserving its strength for the flowers.

The opposite of this is bud blast when a plant is stressed and discards its flowers to save strength to grow roots and leaves.

You are giving it plenty of water, which it needs. It may be a couple of months before you see new growing roots but they will come. Patience

I feed my Vanda heavily and use Companion and Essentials rooting hormones on them. Still I may go 6-9 months without noticeable root growth and then get 6-10 inches of new roots. I had one put out 100 new green root tips at the same time, which stopped growing for months (it is not dieing roots unless they shrivel to nothing).

Plant roots grow in search of water and food. The high humidity made also be the cause but a good one. With your heavy watering, which is correct, and the humidity the plant may have all the water it needs. If the lack of new roots is because of the plant not needing anything else your have done it all correct.

flytrap7108 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 08:59 PM

wow thanks for the info now im not so worried about it lol. At least im doing the right thing and the plants not dead yet

and yes i will try to have patence