Growth Habits 
The vertical or monopodial growth of Vandas and 
their related species differs from the horizontal or 
sympodial growth of most other orchids in some 
very important respects. While a Cattleya or Den- 
drobium produces a new set of roots with the for- 
mation of each new pseudobulb, the root growth of 
Vandas is spread out all along its stem. In its natural 
state a mature plant will send out roots for many 
yards, clinging to any object that is handy. The rain 
and dew collecting on the roots keep the plant well 
watered and the bird droppings and debris falling 
among the roots keep it well fed. 
Conditions in the average hothouse make it im- 
possible to allow the plants such freedom. This 
spreading habit would make it very difficult to keep 
them properly watered and entirely. impossible to 
keep them fed. To use their vigorous root growth 
to advantage we find it very beneficial to provide 
a simulated tree trunk as soon as roots are produced 
higher up on the plant. We fashion this trunk by 
. 
Left: Simulated tree trunk made by ty- 
ing tree fern strips around a redwood 
stick with wire. Right: Roots growing 
around and into this trunk. 
tying tree fern strips around a redwood stick. Where 
tree fern is not available a little rough osmunda 
fibre should serve the same purpose. The height of 
this trunk is about two-thirds the height of the plant. 
It can be lengthened as the plant grows taller. 
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