Vandas Outdoors in Dallas, Texas

[Dallasgarden]

Anyone of my fellow growers try Vandas in North Texas. I just got a cheap one from a box store and thought I'd try it in my shady backyard this summer. What's the best way to mount it? Should I try a clay pot with lava rock for good drainage or hang it? Any info appreciated. It's a Vanda Keeree's Delight.

[Tednz]

I think the best is a basket with chunks of bark to hold it upright for a start.After a while the roots will hang down sometimes over a meter.
Tednz

[Brutal_Dreamer]

When our vandas were smaller we would move them out of the gh for the summer and hang them in a tree and under the porch overhang. They are in wooden baskets with lava rock. The roots hang down through the basket (and over the basket). With the lava rock, we sprayed water on them every day since it gets so hot here in NWA and the rock doesn't hold moisture. Chunks of bark would be better at holding the water.

Cheers,
BD

[Dallasgarden]

Brutal Dreamer,
I tend to the overwatering side, would it be best to use lava rock in a basket then?

[Cjcorner]

They carry coconut fiber here in muggy florida in baskets and its effect is amazing! I have an ascocenda in it in a basket and I have new root growth like crazy. Im also an overwaterer.....
Connie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Brutal Dreamer,
I tend to the overwatering side, would it be best to use lava rock in a basket then?

Yes. Sounds like a plan.

Cheers,
BD

[Molly Taco]

I keep mine in baskets with nothing else. I hit them with the hose daily and a spritz of lite fertilizer. They are in almost full sun and seem to be happy.
Cin

[gbrice]

Brutal Dreamer,
I tend to the overwatering side, would it be best to use lava rock in a basket then?

I'm in S. Florida, my Vandas are in baskets with no media, a couple have a few chunks of charcoal. During the summer I water my Vandas twice a day, in the morning and at mid-day, and it does not get nearly as hot here as it does in Dallas.

-g