Cut off a vanda, what happens to Mother plant?

[talyce66]

I read about propogating vandas in a book, and I was also told about it at the last orchid show. Anyway, I was told that when there are abundant roots growing up on a vanda, you can cut it off. I hope I am being specific enough. Well, I tried this on two of my vandas. The upper half looks beautiful, like a new plant. The bottom half, or mother plant is fine, but how long is it going to show where I cut it? Will keikies form like I read? ??????

[Charles]

They should. The "mother" as you call it will do one of two things if it is to continue to thrive at all. It will either keiki from where the crown used to be or it will keiki from the stem. Or it will die.

[michael_exler]

It is very important before you top the vanda to be sure the roots below where you cut are healthy.
That will be the determining factor as to whether the "mother" plant will survive.
Another very importsant point is to be sure there is a available node for the "mother" plant to grow from.
Otherwise it will have to find a 3rd option wich in some rare accations it will grow a plantlet directly from a healthy root.
That is why i rarely top a vanda, but wait for a natural kieki or new growth to develope at the base.

[Gin]

The only time I top a Vanda is when it has what I call turkey neck no leaves in a fairly large section . Then only if it has roots above the cut point .
I do not remove keikies as they will bloom in a fairly short time , that way more flowers .. gin

[Charles]

OK. Where would you cut that turkey necked plant? Would you have leaves on both upper and mother?

[cneos]

In the case of my 'turkey neck' plants, there are usually leaves and roots above and below, on the 'mother'.

If there are no roots on the upper section, I'd try to promote root growth just below the upper leaves by making a small cut in the turkey neck, applying root hormone, and waiting.