Dear Doc:

My dendrobiums are getting black freckles on the leaves. What can I do? They are outside in the sun.

— Sandra

Dear Sandra:

Your plants have a bad case of sunburn; the long hot days are causing this. On dendrobiums, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. Maybe you could use a palm tree to shield them from the direct sun.

Dear Doc:

I fell in love with an orchid called cymbidium, bought it at the orchid show, but don't know much about it. Can you tell me how to care for it and how often does it bloom?

— Flo

Dear Flo:

Cymbidiums are kind of tricky as there are different varieties. You see, Flo, these plants like the cooler temperatures, but in recent times, a heattolerant cymbidium has been developed. Most of them will be able to tolerate the heat, but will need a drop in temperature in order for them to bloom — think Newcastle. As a matter of fact, I have seen them blooming up in the hills as if they were growing without any added effort. They cannot be allowed to dry out between watering. Note, however, that they must not be kept soggy.