Vanda - Ascda Kulwadee Fragrance --- what to do with blasted spike?

[abatis]

Hello everyone!

I got this orchid 3 days ago at an orchid-grower's association show. The spike was green when I purchased it but was yellow with the bud light brown the next day. I thought I had put it outside (shaded terrace) too soon... but it hasn't been particularly sunny or hot. I am also thinking it may have happened when I bought it as I didn't go straight home... the plant was in my car for most of the day that day. Anyway, could it be sunburn or is it lack of watering or too much watering? I was told to water the roots daily with vitamins/fertilizer once a week. I did that for the first three days and now (after reading some posts here) have changed today to watering 2x day.






Should I cut the spike? How/Where do I do it? What are the chances on it spiking again? Will I have to wait long for another spike? I am patient... I just don't know what to expect here!

Thanks for your help!!

A.

[eircsmith]

I can’t be able to answer your query, but I am excited to know the answer related to your query and it will be helpful in future for us.

[stateless]

this happens at times, probably because of being moved to a new environment, or being left in the car. the spike is a goner, I wait til they dry and I can snap them off, but you could cut it off , make sure what you use is clean and cut close to the plant. the plant looks fine , you bought a great plant and you will be quite happy when it blooms. spikes can blast for a number of reasons and it happens to everyone, don't panic

[abatis]

Thank you Ed! Should I keep watering 2x a day or just once?

[stateless]

Thank you Ed! Should I keep watering 2x a day or just once?

that is hard to answer since we are in different locations, what works for me, may not for you.This time of the year I do once a day or every other day, but on cloudy days when we are in the 60's I don't water. you are starting with a healthy looking plant.

[abatis]

Ok, thanks. I guess my biggest "fear" is that this is the first time I have a plant that doesn't have any soil/media so I really am clueless as the "clues" I should look for to see if it needs water. I am hoping I get the hang of it soon and not ruin this beautiful thing... already the spike blasted and I am so worried about making it worse...

[Cjcorner]

When you buy a plant in spike, do not leave it in your car. A car can heat up very fast and cool off just as quickly...something all orchids do not like one little bit. Cut the spike as close as you can and dust the cut with cinnamon to help it dry quickly. Make sure the area around the new cut is kept dry for a few days or it can end up rotted and can make the plant sick overall. Anything brown and mushy is bad to leave on a plant, but if the spike merely dries out I let them stay until completely dried and snap them off. If it really wants to spike you will see another spike within a month or two...hang in there. It looks like an otherwise very healthy plant and if it has bloomed once it should do so again for you with the proper care.

[eircsmith]

that is hard to answer since we are in different locations, what works for me, may not for you.This time of the year I do once a day or every other day, but on cloudy days when we are in the 60's I don't water. you are starting with a healthy looking plant.

Yes, you’re right. It’s depending on the conditions of locality you cultivate.

Thank you Ed! Should I keep watering 2x a day or just once?

But you can water once in a day, it might help you.

[tucker85]

I agree with the previous posts. Flower spikes can fail even with excellent care. But changing the environment of an orchid in bud is always risky. Oddly enough, once the flowers open, a change in environment doesn't seem to bother the plant nearly as much, if at all. As far as watering, it's hard to overwater a vanda. I've found that a good soaking, once a day is sufficient. If you want to water twice a day the vandas will probably appreciate it. If you need to go away for a long weekend and the vandas don't get watered, they'll still be fine.

[abatis]

Thank you everyone! I am new to orchids and I love them and I really don't want to mess up... I appreciate soo much your replies and this website. You give me confidence to know that I am doing the right things from now on with my plants! Thanks!!! I am sure my orchids appreciate you too!