Saving a Vanda Seedling with Black Stem Rot

Urgent Surgery Required

A Vanda seedling's stem is turning black. The grower read to cut off the infected part but wonders if the healthy remainder can regrow.

Procedure

• Cut below all black tissue—even a tiny speck means cut further.
• Use a new sterile single-edge razor for each cut to avoid spreading infection via sap.
• Check the cut surface: it must be clean, with no dark streaks.

Outcome Scenarios

• Top-only rot: The plant may produce a side growth (keiki) from the remaining stem. Wait for 3+ aerial roots, then sever and pot.
• Basal rot: If blackening is low on the stem, the plant is likely lost.

Vandas are monopodial; they can sometimes branch from the stem after top loss, but basal rot is fatal.