Vanda 'pruning'

[Maggie]

I know we don't 'prune' orchids, but my vanda stems are becoming quite long with old dead roots on the lower parts of the stem. Please can I cut the stem and just keep the healthy green roots part? Where do I cut? One has been in flower for weeks and is almost finished. They are not in pots, just bare roots. It is coming into winter here at present.
Thanks
Maggie

[clintdawley]

I don't know that I would prune vandas in the winter, but then again they hate me so I probably don't know what I'm talking about.

You can chop the vanda stem directly above the old roots. I've seen this done when there is an aerial root or two forming higher upon the stem that can support the vanda until new roots are growing. The old part with the dead roots might even sprout a keiki from somewhere. If you post a picture I can tell you where to cut

[margo]

Thanks for asking this question, Maggie. I have couple that I was thinking to prune. Sorry I can't give you an advise, but I will be watching this post.

[Maggie]

Thanks for the quick reply, yes I think I will wait until winter is over - I just thought I would ask, like we are told there is no such thing as a dumb question. They look untidy as they are. What do we call it? Not pruning I think. I hope this helps you also Margo.
Maggie

[Tednz]

Yes your best bet would be spring and then cut below the high green roots,and if you leave the rest of the stump and keep watering it they quite often throw out a new growth.Good luck in the spring.
Tednz

[margo]

How about summer?! Does it matter if it's in bloom?

[sushiboy]

Vandas are beautiful. I am tempted to try growing them but the ones that they sell at the nurseries here tend to have long, hanging roots that are easily as tall as a person. Now that i know vandas can be "pruned", i would like to know if their roots can be pruned likewise so that i can shorten the roots and maybe plant them in pots. If that is possible, must the pots be deeper than the ones we normally use for the other orchids and how should they be potted? I know cutting good roots are a no-no.

[delphiguy]

sushiboy
you can trim off dead roots from vandas, those that are black and yellow, leave the green
ones (they turn green if they have absorb enough water.) i wouldn't recommend potting
them as they want their roots to go crazy, so even if you pot them they will easily out
grow the pots full of roots. you can use baskets if you like, with or without media.
and once potted, it'll be very difficult for it to get out of the pot.