Vanda refusing to grow roots.

[sand_tiger86]

This is getting frustrating. My Vanda 'Pure's Wax' simply refuses to grow new roots, or branch out its existing roots. I guess the ones it has are good enough, as it's not wrinkled or wilting, but I've had it for almost two months now and by this time my other Vandas were really taking off. I've tried all kinds of different fertilizers and nothing seems to make it want to budge. I've tried liquid seaweed with normal orchid formulated fertilizer, fish emulsion, superthrive...just plain old water. Any hints from anyone who is good at Vandas? I'm just baffled because my Mokara and other Vanda have been growing roots like crazy.

[orchidsal]

I am sorry Kelly if I am not much help, but keep in mind that Vandas like so many other things are not created equal and that their pace of growth is going to vary as are it's individual needs (or at least somewhat). If it's not unhealthy then give it time to adjust to it's new environment. Two months is not that long in Vanda terms. I admittedly don't know this individual Vanda's exact needs as I have never raised it, so someone else with experience here may be able to tell you more. Good Luck! AL

[mujacko2002]

Mabuhay!

this things happen to me but i just let it be. At least, most of your vandas are growing. If it dies just charge it to experience.

[123orchids]

Learn to have patience.

[poetiscariot]

Not vandas, but I got two Dtps from the same grower at the same time a couple summers ago. One of them put out two whole leaves before the other showed any sign of growth, roots or leaves. It kind of froze up, and I don't know whether that was its reaction to a change in environment or if I just happened to get it on a resting part of its cycle. It came out of it fine, though, and I've had the same experience with lots of Cattleyas, which are my main alliance. So I'm seconding/thirding/etc. the advice about patience. They grow, they don't grow, they grow at different speeds, and a good bit of that is in the plant's genetics, not in what you do or don't do.

[Susie11]

Patience, patience........

[tucker85]

I don't know if all those different fertilizers and supplements are really a good idea. If it were my orchid I would try to increase the light it's receiving, as long as it can be done without burning the leaves. Some orchids occasionally stop growing for no apparent reason. I had a phal stop growing for a year and then it just started growing again as usual.

[Dazed]

Buy another orchid to distract you from the inactivity of the vanda.

[sand_tiger86]

Just an update: I removed it from its pot and it was still doing nothing but sitting there. I decided to take measures into my own hands 3 days ago and put it in a vase with water in the bottom and placed it in a sunny window. Lo and behold, new roots are popping up everywhere! I don't know why I didn't try it before, since that's how I got my first Vanda to take off. So, a lesson to anyone reading who is having trouble getting their Vanda to spread its wings: try this method. It's almost fool-proof. (This is the third time it's work for me). Once the roots are long enough (shouldn't be more than about 2-3 weeks time), it's okay to put it back in it's pot/basket/whatever. They just need a nudge to get going sometimes and this is the perfect way to do it.

[janoyski_8]

some tips to grow vanda orchids (tested and proven)
1. place the vanda in an area were the sun is bright but dont forget to place some screens. (i usually use black screen available here in the philippines..)
2. water the vanda as soon as the plant dried up..(i suggest that you water the whole plant IN THE MORNING!!)
3. use balance fertilizer 20-20-20 once every week for 3 weeks, then a high phosphorus fertilizer for 1 week..u can also add a philor anna or any plant hormones once every month.
4. look for some insects or any fungi in your vanda. (apply fungicide or insecticide)
5. and last..DONT TOUCH YOUR VANDA ALWAYS..they are very sensitive especially their roots..