Setting up vanda area in greenhouse (newbie question) - Orchid Board

utah · #1 09-21-2008, 11:51 PM

Hi All

I've just about finished the greenhouse, and not a moment too soon, it's turning cool in the evenings here. I have areas mapped out for all my 'chids but have a vanda-specific question:

Q- I had though of having a "wet" corner of the room with drip irrigation (probably from a soaker hose on the ceiling) dripping a bit of water with fertilizer (and a bit of psyban) 2-3 times a day on the vandas where it would collect in a tub (that they could dangle their roots into if they grow that long). Would that work? I don't want to rot them but I need to keep their roots watered and the room humid.

I have 8 vandas - 3 small ones mounted on a wire and 5 larger ones mounted in baskets. They are in a shadehouse now and get misted 1-2 times daily and watered daily (remember - REALLY low humidity here). Once a week I give them a good soak and that's where they get their fertilizer too). All seem healthy but do dry out very quickly.

Thanks for the info and suggestions.

susiep · #2 09-22-2008, 12:02 AM

Wow, that sounds very nice! I think they might like dangling their roots in the tub. Sounds like you have some very good ideas!

utah · #3 09-22-2008, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susiep

Wow, that sounds very nice! I think they might like dangling their roots in the tub. Sounds like you have some very good ideas!

Do I need to worry about water collecting in the leaves of the vandas (like I have to do with phals and paphs?) or is water dripping on them - like rain - okay for them? I would assume they can handle it because of their natural climate but, hey, what do I know???

I know, we are supposed to "water the roots" but that's easier said than done.

susiep · #4 09-22-2008, 12:27 AM

I have a totally different climate here in South Florida. All my plants are outside in a shade house. They get a lot of rain. I have never worried about water in the crowns and have never gotten crown rot. I guess it is just too hot here. I have many phals and vandas. Ideally you would want to water just the roots to avoid the potential problem. I never worry about water on the leaves, but as soon as buds start to open, I avoid getting the bloom spike wet. I think your vandas will appreciate the extra misting and watering. I think they will like dangling their roots in some water, too. You really can't give them too much water. Especially in your low humidity. I think you have created the perfect environment for them.

utah · #5 09-22-2008, 01:14 AM

That's kind of what I figured too. Hey, Florida (lucky vandas), rain forests, hurricanes they can handle it . . . just not a Utah winter without TLC.