New Member, Need Help!! (please) - Orchid Board

Hirschy · #1 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 07:48 PM

ive been collecting orchids for a couple of months now and just started noticing some things that are worrying me (sorry if its no big deal, i have very little idea of what to look for)!

below are some pictures of spots that look suspicious, would greatly appreciate ANY feedback!

the first two images are the same plant... there is a straw colored spot that has made the leaf almost see-through... as you can see its the only spot on the plant. the rest of the plant seems happy since its strongly putting out a new sprout of leaves

the third and fourth are of a vanda that i bought knowing it wasnt doing so well... the bottom two leaves are yellow and the roots arent turning as green as my other vandas during watering. the plant is desperately trying to bloom though! (also not looking too good)

lastly is a new vanda i came across, the roots looked fine when i bought it however once i watered it tons of white dots appeared (is this normal for some types??)... it seems to be healthy otherwise and is in strong bloom, looking much healthier than the previous plant mentioned...
sorry if the questions seem silly!

Roly0217 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 08:23 PM

First of all

and

to the OB !!! Now as far a your concerns go.
The yellowish spot on your oncidium is more likely sun damage. Did you move it to a higher light level suddenly or did you expose it to sudden light. If so that's what caused it to burn and turn that yellow. If you wish to do so you can go ahead and cut the leaf
The vanda doesn't look that bad at all. It needs some TLC but other wise seems fine to me. Go ahead and cut that spike since those flowers are about done and the dots on the roots are not a big deal. The roots will look white when not watered and as soon as you water them they acquire that green look to them. Vandas must be watered on a daily basis in our hot conditions. Once in the summer or less if the days are gloomy. They are also heavy feeders so weekly weakly fertilizing will help a lot.
If you have any more questions just ask and we'll be happy to help.

Hirschy · #3 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 08:50 PM

thank you! i am so relieved to hear that nothing terribly serious is going on! sadly i think the vanda is at the beginning of its blooming, not the end

i would have assumed the same however i was told it was at the start and have been watching it suspiciously and to my surprise today the first flower fully opened.. the color is super dull though, maybe just the plant?... although i was told it would be more towards coral..hm

as for the burn, that makes complete sense.. im still getting a feel for which plants are most happy in which place, and that spot appeared ages ago and since then its been ok..... mystery solved!

thank you thank you! if i have any other worries i will for sure re-post! greatly appreciate your help!

p.s. love the sea horse picture!

Roly0217 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 08:58 PM

You are very welcome. The flowers look kind of dull on the vandas. They do like a lot of light without getting to the point of burning the leaves. I did realize that there were still buds in the spike. You can either let it bloom and enjoy it or cut the spike and start fertilizing weakly weekly and watering daily and very likely you'll see some improvement. Here in Florida you can grow both the Oncidium and Vanda outdoors but it does get a bit cold in the winter especially youe way so they will have to come in during those cold days that we have and never give up on them. They are really though plants. Ohhh and one more thing; prepare to increase your "I want" or "must have" list. There are lots of enablers here. By the way Smiley Orchids is close to you and that lady specializes in vandas. You are in a world of trouble my friend

Hirschy · #5 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 09:23 PM

ahahahah oooo i know!! i started my orchid collection this summer and im already 14 plants in! i got really into vandas before thinking through the practicality of it all... which will be interesting when i have to bring them in for winter.. i definitely have to get in to the routine of using fertilizers.. sounds tricky, little bit intimidated

these are the plants i started with:
Yfrog - q34.jpg

and these are my most recent vanda purchases:
Yfrog - wc3scrnshot031309154400.jpg

so funny you mentioned smileys because i plan to go there this weekend!! looks dangerous! very excited though.......

Swamper · #6 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 09:34 PM

Hirschy, nice collection you have going. Soon it will be time to bring them in. Keep in mind for next season, when you take them back out where you place them so the roots don't grab on to whatever they are next to.
I placed mine on my wood fence after bringing them in during one of the hurricanes that came near and I swear it was like overnight they grabbed onto that fence fiercely and now I feel really bad about peeling them off. I know how to do it patiently but I don't have much of that.
Oh yeah and a belated welcome.

Hirschy · #7 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 09:49 PM

around when do you suggest that i bring them in... from what ive read 50 is the absolute lowest they can go?? hah! i will for sure keep an eye on what the roots are doing... if they do cling on do i just wet the roots and carefully try to pry them off??? would hate to do harm in any way...
and many thanks!

Roly0217 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 10:02 PM

Vandas around 50s to lower 40s because they don't tolerate the cool so great however wherever you place them you need to make sure that they get good light and water daily if sunny. Want to hear the good part. We don't get that many cold days.

Hirschy · #9 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 12:09 AM

ahaha true, guess we're pretty lucky.. ill make sure to start scoping out a spot in preparation!
thank you again! excited that i seem to be doing alright... guess that means i can justify investing in a new plant!!

Roly0217 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirschy

ahaha true, guess we're pretty lucky.. ill make sure to start scoping out a spot in preparation!
thank you again! excited that i seem to be doing alright... guess that means i can justify investing in a new plant!!

Sounds good to me and it definetely means that you can get another plant

I saw that you've got a bit of some mayor groups but didn't see any phals. I saw paphs, onc. intergenerics, catts and the vandas. So far so good. If you need any more help just shout.