Software
Houzz Logo Print
bpeterson1226

Vanda growth?

9 years ago

Hey guys. Last question! I looked at my vanda today and noticed that it has new growth coming out the top but this time it has a leaf that has another leaf sealed inside of it and both on the same side (unlike how they usually each grow out of opposite sides. I'm in zone 8B facing SE 125° in Savannah GA full sun. To drops to 65°F in evenings 75-85 during day. Cold front approaching.


Thsnks!

Is this a spike growing! (This is come out on the opposite side of the last spike that it had when I purchased it maybe 5-6 months ago)

Comments (7)

  • 9 years ago

    Lucky you!

  • 9 years ago

    It it looks to me, from pictures 2 and 4, like you have another leaf growing trapped inside the older leaf. If you look closely you should be able to see they open in different directions. Spikes on vadas do not emerge from the growing tip. If the newest leaf does not open at all, on the inward edge, or it is a spike, it means you will get no future growth from the top of the plant and will have to wait for a keiki to form.

  • 9 years ago

    @northern orchid....why do you say lucky you?

    Meg..what terrible news. Have you ever had a leaf get stuck?? So sad

  • 9 years ago

    Yes, it has happened to one of mine before and your pictures look similar. Back then vandas were new to me and I thought it might be a spike. I have one now (I'm not sure, it may be the same plant 5 years later, grr) on which the top leaf is not closed but, is oddly folded and does not seem to be continuing to grow. However, it has also started two keikis this year. Give your plant some time and good growing conditions. That top leaf may still open or you may get keikis.

  • 9 years ago

    I've not had this happen on a vanda, but have dealt with it on other genera. When I see a stuck leaf, I give it several days, if there's no progress I try to help ( be warned, do this very carefully! ). I use a sharp thin bladed knife and carefully insert it Into the leaf that is binding the new growth. I slit the leaf down toward its base just an inch or so, depends on how badly the new growth is trapped. This has often worked for me. Good luck.

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks. I would rather not do this. I did it once with a cataleya and killed it :(

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    your vanda is screaming out for more moisture. When vandas close their leaves it indicates that it is trying to reduce moisture loss by reducing transpiration from the leaves. The plant's basic survival instinct is driven by trying to stay alive with limited resources, in this case "not enough water".. Root system is limited as well. If this was my plant, I would place in a wooden vanda basket and soak it twice daily for 15-20 minutes to improve watering. The wet basket will provide longer continued water availability and draw out more roots.

Sponsored