Dear Doc:

Can I put strap leaf vandas on tree trunks or should I tie them onto driftwood?

Geri

Dear Geri:

Provided the wood is not drifting... lol. Once you position the wood so that the plant won't be getting too much sunlight, it should be fine. In fact, almost any orchid can be tied on a piece of wood, even oncidiums, once positioned properly.

You could put the sun-loving ones on the side with the most sunlight. Tuck a phalaenopsis in-between the leaves of other plants so that they are not receiving direct sunlight, with dendrobiums sticking out here and there. Go ahead and try it.

Dear Doc:

I have noticed a lot of ants on my orchids, do you have any idea why?

Jeff

Dear Jeff:

The ants in this case are like ladybugs, they are almost certainly eating the enemy -- thrips and mites. Hurry to the farm store, describe the problem to the attendant and you should be taken care of.

Betty Ashley is an avid orchid enthusiast who has spent decades successfully cultivating orchids for herself, as well as for orchid lovers across the island, earning herself the title 'Orchid Doc'. Send your orchid questions and/or concerns to: bettymay@flowja.com.