Vanda bud blast

[catwalker808]

There are some liquid insecticides which we would always avoid spraying onto buds and flowers, because they would sometimes cause bud/flower drop or crippling.

Ethelyne gas (or similar gases) could cause bud drop and shortening of flower life. Vanda flowers are very sensitive. There are many sources ... the smoke from your barbeque or your neighbors' (you don't need to see the smoke, your flowers can "smell" it), frying that chicken or those onions on your stove, ripening fruit, someone smoking around the flowers, eating too many beans ...

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by catwalker808

There are some liquid insecticides which we would always avoid spraying onto buds and flowers, because they would sometimes cause bud/flower drop or crippling.

Ethelyne gas (or similar gases) could cause bud drop and shortening of flower life. Vanda flowers are very sensitive. There are many sources ... the smoke from your barbeque or your neighbors (you don't need to see the smoke, you flowers can "smell" it), frying that chicken or those onions on your stove, ripening fruit, someone smoking around the flowers, eating too many beans ...

Too many beans?

[smweaver]

I feel a tiny bit better (sorry to say) that all of you guys are experiencing the same problem that I had this summer. One of my V. merrilliis, which is close to four feet tall, has keikis, a great root system and is a super robust grower, produced five spikes--all of which dried up and had their buds blast. I was devastated and felt like the world's worst vanda grower. I really think that it had to do with our unseasonably cool summer where I live. The plant sits outside during the summer, gets lots of light, water and regular doses of fertilizer, and like many of you stated, I inspect for insects numerous times per day. No aphids, no thrips, nothing! The plant had bloomed consistently for the last three years, and the only thing that was different about the last three summers is that they were typically hot and humid. This year they were cooler, not by a huge degree, but maybe it was enough. I could very well be wrong, of course. But if next summer isn't hotter than hades here (as it normally is), the merrillii is staying inside the sunroom, especially at night. If anyone has any more guesses as to what the culprit is, please post your ideas for all of us.

Steve

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by smweaver

I feel a tiny bit better (sorry to say) that all of you guys are experiencing the same problem that I had this summer. One of my V. merrilliis, which is close to four feet tall, has keikis, a great root system and is a super robust grower, produced five spikes--all of which dried up and had their buds blast. I was devastated and felt like the world's worst vanda grower. I really think that it had to do with our unseasonably cool summer where I live. The plant sits outside during the summer, gets lots of light, water and regular doses of fertilizer, and like many of you stated, I inspect for insects numerous times per day. No aphids, no thrips, nothing! The plant had bloomed consistently for the last three years, and the only thing that was different about the last three summers is that they were typically hot and humid. This year they were cooler, not by a huge degree, but maybe it was enough. I could very well be wrong, of course. But if next summer isn't hotter than hades here (as it normally is), the merrillii is staying inside the sunroom, especially at night. If anyone has any more guesses as to what the culprit is, please post your ideas for all of us.

Steve

I've had the same Vandaceous bud blast problem and previously posted on this thread. One of the two failing spikes still had a little life left in it so I tried increasing water. I've been dunking 3 to 4 times a day till the roots turn green and the remaining blooms are looking good. Maybe there are some Vandaceous varieties than need much more than average watering during spike production. This is only a guess. Next time this gal spikes she's gettin' frequent daily waterings from the get go.

[smweaver]

June, that's a great point about watering. I didn't even consider that perhaps when the plants are initiating spikes they might need to be drenched more often. Next summer I'll try to imitate the seasonal monsoon levels of water that the plant might need. Thank you! Steve

[orkie]

I think increased watering is def. a good point. I try to be good to the vandas, but they are so demanding, sometimes a daygoes by before I water...they would all benefit from me being a little more vigilant I suspect.

[mantis]

Hi Your problem is Thrips. Use Orthene when the buds emerge. Also cut those spikes off and quarantine it for now until you can spray it so they do not infect your other Vandas. .

[smweaver]

And the spikes/flower buds won't be negatively effected by being sprayed with Orthene (or any other pesticide, for that matter)? Considering how sensitive that vanda buds seem to be, I would want to make sure that whatever I spray on the developing spikes wouldn't damage them.

[Swamper]

I spray the entire plant including buds and it's a guarantee at least for me to see blooms

[floridaplantlady]

Hi, My name is Shirley I am in Edgewater, Fl. I have a vanda and I have to say I do very little to it and it blooms about every 4 month's. I DO NOT water it everyday, and when I do it's a light mist. She is doing her thing right now and looking beautiful with blueish/purple flowers. Try changing the place it hangs. Guess I just have good luck with orchids. I took on of them that was almost dead. changed the orchid mix, took it out of the wooden slatted box and put it in a open wire basket. Love's it now. Getting green. so there is hope for friends that are having problems. good luck.