Question about trimming Vanda Roots...

[Miller]

My new orchids arrived today, 5 Vandacious, 3 Schombos, and 1 Grammatophylum Cintrinum. I have attached a pic of the MKRA Nauchie Eric and was wondering if I could trim the bottom at the black line I drew in the picture. Many of the roots in the basket are dead (a few are alive). As you can see the "crown" is fairly high up away from the basket. I would like to cut it to sit closer to the basket and allow for more head room for growth under my arbor. Am I risking the health/life of the orchid by making these adjustments? There would be three thick large roots left on the orchid.



Thanks,
Miller

[Gage]

It definitely has enough roots for you to top it at the black line. I would also use an extension hook to make the plant hang lower for headroom, and watering convenience. I don't like having orchids out of reach, if it can be avoided.

[cdayinflorida]

What is the cross? Personally, I would leave it alone except for moving it down a little. It will probably keiki and cover up the base of the plant. I would not top the plant. Just my opinion.

[tucker85]

When you divide an orchid, or in this case, top an orchid, it always seems to negatively affect the plant and set it back a year or two. You'll get better blooms if you leave it alone and let it grow and mature. So the answer is, yes you can top it if it has three or more roots, but you'll get better results if you leave it alone. I always wind up regretting it when I divide an orchid or top an orchid. Good luck.

[Miller]

I don't know what the cross is but I will make adjustments as best I can to avoid topping it. Thanks for everyones input!

Miller

[larissamueller]

beautiful

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I would not cut it. I would wrap the roots back into the basket and let it get monster sized.

cheers,
BD

[Miller]

Going to look for some slatted baskets and leave the orichid intact. My end goal for all my orchids is to have them all grow into specimen plants. So Bruce in a few years you may just see a huge plant!

Miller

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Going to look for some slatted baskets and leave the orichid intact. My end goal for all my orchids is to have them all grow into specimen plants. So Bruce in a few years you may just see a huge plant!

Miller

Vandas can get crazy big.

cheers,
BD

[ocean217]

Just had an expert Speaker on Vanda care at our Orchid Society on Monday and he discussed this.
Use a sterile instrument, single edge razor is good, to cut the vanda roots. Only cut the roots 1/3 of the way up if they are dead.
The others do not cut.