In this article, we will discuss why you want to repot a Vanda-type orchid and the process itself. Vandaceous orchids can grow straggly as they reach for the sky, making them look out of place. When this state is reached you know that it is time to repot it.
To do this, you will need to firmly stake the plant in the centre, so that the centre of gravity of the roots is closer to the centre to give a more balanced plant.
HOW TO REPOT A VANDA-TYPE ORCHID
First, as ever you will need to sterilize any knives, scissors, or secateurs that you use by heating them with a small, portable, blow torch. Heat each tool for a couple of minutes to make sure that all microbes and germs on them are sufficiently killed.
Once you have done this. You can start the repotting process. First, any old flowering spikes need to be removed by cutting them off. If you notice any active roots growing from the side of the main stem, then you will need to cut the main stem just below these new, growing roots, separating the top half from the old root mass.
It may seem harsh but it has to be done. You will now have a separated top half and a mass of mostly dead roots in the bottom. You can tell Vanda Orchid roots are dead as they appear shrivelled and dry.
VANDAS ARE NORMALLY PRESENTED IN ORCHID HANGING BASKETS
Normally Vandas are presented in orchid baskets and in this article, we will be repotting this orchid into this. You will need to repot into a smaller, orchid basket, at least half the size. This will provide adequate room for several years’ worth of new growth. The orchid basket will be of similar depth but has a width and length that is half the size of the original orchid basket.
You will now need to apply a little powdered fungicide mixed with water to the cut you made on the bottom of the top half of the Vanda. It is better to apply this by using a cotton bud, this will protect it from getting a fungal infection that can lead to rotting of the plant.
To attach the Vanda to its new home, you will need to stake the plant by using a bamboo cane. You will need to use a drill with a drill–bit whose diameter is the same size or slightly smaller than the bamboo cane that you have selected for the task. The stake must not wobble or be displaced from its seat on the hole.
FIND THE CENTRE OF THE ORCHID BASKET
Turn the orchid basket over and use a tape measure to find the centre of the basket. The easiest way to do this is to draw a line from opposing corners and then repeat with the other opposing corners. Where the two lines cross is the centre of the orchid basket. Drill a hole slowly so that the slats will not be damaged.
Once the hole is in place, turn the basket the right way up and work the bamboo cane onto the hole. You may need to hammer it in if it does not want to go in easily. You will now need to secure the top half of the Vanda to the cane. It is best to hold it with one hand and with the other, secure it lightly by the use of wire tires-one halfway up the cane, another close to the base. You can use a strong pair of cutters to trim the stake to the height of the plant.
Attach a wire hanger so that it can be attached to a secure height so that the orchid can be suspended from the air. You can also add a tag with when you repotted it and the next due date so that you do not forget to repot it again.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILL IT WITH GROWING MEDIA
Most Vanda-type orchids are fine in empty baskets providing you adjust the watering schedule so that they are watered more frequently.
If you want you can add a growing media of your choice as long as it is coarse. Ideally, orchid compost can be used in between the coarse material, to help the plant, but it is not necessary. Large larva rocks or even large pieces of charcoal can be used to weigh the basket down and to make it look more attractive. You can now hang your newly repotted Vanda in an orchid basket up and enjoy the plant once more.
CONCLUSIONS
In this article, we have talked about why you need to repot a Vanda-type orchid, especially so in an orchid-type basket. This is the best way to display your newly, repotted Orchid. It is very simple, to do, all you need to do is have a smaller sized orchid basket, a stake and some coarse growing media. It is so easy to do that you wished you have done it sooner.
If you have any questions or comments that you wish to make on repotting Vanda, then please do so in the comment box below.
Happy Vanda repotting.