Plastic Basket Removed from Vanda, Now What - Orchid Board

Robi · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:24 PM

I know you mentioned do it when it stopped blooming but I just couldn't look at that ugly basket anymore...I know you're thinking but it's still there...but at least its free from the bottom!!! I soaked the roots for about 40 minutes and cut the plastic away and where the roots where stuck I pried them off slowly only one spot did I break about an inch of root off... then I got some of the black dried out stuff as well... now how do I proceed? Should I let it rest before continuing? I don't want it to die. Thank you to everyone who has helped me in this process!!! I love this board!!

buckie · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 02:03 PM

Now that you have started, keep going. If you have your new wooden basket that is. The next trick is getting those roots into or around the new basket, once you have that done put some well washed rocks on them to the top of the basket. Use soft wire or string to tie the plant to the hanging wire's, that will stop it moving around as it gets established in it's new home.

Warren

peeweelovesbooks · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 02:20 PM

Well,

You can either decide to grow it bare root, or put it in another basket.

If you really hate the thought of an ugly basket--wood may not be for you. Repotme.com has a new line of "everlasting" vanda baskets here:

Everlast Vanda Basket - White - 6 inch

They are pricey but I suppose the non-rotting nature is worth the money. Personally, I'm having someone make them out of black clay--but that's just crazy Maria.

Grandma M · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 04:59 PM

Robi

If I have a problem getting all the roots through the bottom slats, I just remove one of the slats, usually the center one. I also use lava rocks to help secure the plant and I grow mine in my basement under lights.

Marilyn

stefpix · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:33 PM

Why do you need a basket when you could just get a hanger and have no problems?
a vanda wire hager or you could use one of those cheap dry cleaning wire coat hangers

mollycart1 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefpix

Why do you need a basket when you could just get a hanger and have no problems?
a vanda wire hager or you could use one of those cheap dry cleaning wire coat hangers

Those roots will grow freely.

Robi · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefpix

Why do you need a basket when you could just get a hanger and have no problems?
a vanda wire hager or you could use one of those cheap dry cleaning wire coat hangers

How would i attach the vanda wire hanger to the vanda? I don't want to hurt it...??

thanks

stefpix · #8 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 03:05 PM

fear not, you need no staple gun to attach it!
maybe some plastic coated wire?

cirillonb · #9 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 03:10 PM

I agree with such a wealth of roots it would be easier and safer just to hang the entire thing from a wire. Of course you would want to remove the white parts of the basket as much as can safely be done. I have never hung a Vanda from a wire so can't give a step-by-step but I'm sure someone else will
Nick

mollycart1 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 03:29 PM

I am not if this picture help you, but this is how I received my Vanda from Smiley's Orchid in FL. She grows all her plants in this way. As a matter of fact, I switched most of my Vandas this way. The bottom part of the wire is "U" shape to grab the bottom part of the the plant.