Help! I'm killing my Vanda!!!

[Nanci]

I have a rather large (7') Vanda who's leaves are turning brown (about 2" of the tips). Not all the leaves, only 1 or 2 but I'm concerned. Per recommendation of the nursery where I bought it, I had it sitting in front of a west window with the drapes open during the day. Out of concerned, I moved due south about 1' from the window so its no longer getting direct sunlight but is still getting the benifit of the western (and northern) sun. It is still producing new buds (oh yeah, its in full bloom

I mist her every day, 2X/day, feed every other week, and water opposite weeks.

What am I doing wrong? What do I have to do to stop this slow painful death - its not fair to her.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nanci

[Gin]

I mist her every day, 2X/day, feed every other week, and water opposite weeks.
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Hi Nanci , Vandas require a good soaking until the roots turn green , sounds like it is not getting enough water , Depending on the Temps. and what it is growing in sometimes daily especially if bare root or in a basket with open medium in it .
They are also heavy feeders , mine get Fert. weekly . But they are in baskets , if in a pot it is important to flush the pot with clear off and on . They will lose lower leaves due to age . Hope this helps a little . Gin

[paphman910]

Hello Nanci:
I suggest you get a fan to circulate the air. Sometimes the sunlight might cause sunburn. I would touch the leaves and if it is warm then the plant is not getting enought air circulation to cool down the leaves.

Are the aerial roots stunted? What I mean is when the roots grow the green tips turn white after growing for about a few inches. This is an indication that the humidity is too low.

Also you fertilize it every other water at what fertilizer strength? Most growers recommend half strength. This full strenght fertilizer can cause the leaf tip burns.

Paphman910

[Nanci]

I do have a fan that gently circulates the air during the day - I shut it off at night. Leaves did feel warm but I have now moved it out of the direct sunlight. Areial roots look good, green and strong. The plant is sitting on 3" of gravel that I keep filled with water for humidity - there is a plastic water tray between the roots and the gravel/water so the roots are not sitting directly in the water.

Because I'm new and leary, I am using 1/2 strength fertilizer. She seems to be recovering some and has new buds on her. Lower leaves are now turning yellow - age? She's over 7' tall so I suspect she's not real young though I don't know how fast they grow.

[paphman910]

I wouldn't panic for now. Just keep an eye on your Vanda. Older leaves on the bottom will fall off eventually and it is a natural process.

Paphman910