Best potting media for a Vanda?

[Becky15349]

Hi all!

I recently purchased my second vanda, a V. Trevor Rathbone. I realize that I must pot the vanda because I grow on a windowsill and cannot hang it. My ceiling is cement and I cannot put any holes in it, so the vanda must be potted. I also cannot hang it on the wall. So,what is the best media for potting a vanda? I was thinking coarse grade fir bark with no small pieces - what do you think? Has anyone here grown vandas in pots with success? Please share with me your tips! Thank you very much Trevor doesn't want to die, LOL...

Thanks!
Becky

[gidi]

why can't you drill on a cement celling and insert dibles?

[smwboxer]

Put it in the smallest pot you can get it into without any medium at all.

[JoeW]

Hi, Becky. ObyH tells me a course grade of potting material (like chunks of coarse charcoal) is best suited for mature V's. Younger V's get a multi-purpose (orchid I suppose) potting mix in clay pots. V's are not to be kept either dry or moist over an extended period. The one I have is in a clay pot with that stuff that looks like a bird's nest and has been growing under benign neglect. Joe

[jeffrey6115]

The best medium for Vandas is no medium. Do you have access to corks? They would provide support and allow lots of spaces for good air circulation.

[Becky15349]

Funny you should mention corks, I just threw a bunch of them out yesterday, darnet!! I guess that's really what I need - something that will not retain water but offer support to the roots; its just hanging out in a empty pot right now and doesn't look too happy

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi Becky, we grow our vandas in lava rock. Light weight and porous. The vanda roots love it.

AND - if you get a masonry bit, you can drill holes in that concrete and if enough room you could hang a bar all the way across the window to hang plants from.

Cheers,
BD

[Becky15349]

That's an interesting idea Bruce, I may look into getting some lava rock...are the pieces small? I was nervous about using something with a small diameter because I want to make sure the roots get air. I did actually order a small bag of corks on the auction site, do you think using corks is crazy?

[Ephemera]

Make sure they are REAL corks as there are many synthetic/imitation corks used these days for some cheaper wines etc. Again, natural/real Charcoal chunks (not b-b-q briquets!) do the job as well and contain useful minerals.

Michael

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I get lava rock at the big box store in a 10lb bag. The chuncks are large and small. Just be sure to rinse it so you don't end up with lots of red run-off when you water the first time.

I have also heard of people using wine corks. Not crazy at all.

Cheers,
BD