Dear Doc:

When the dendrobiums become stalky without leaves, I cut them off. Someone told me where you have them growing suckers and even spiking in the sun. Is this true?

Heslop

Dear Heslop

When the dendrobiums become stalky and without leaves, there is no need to cut them off, as these will spike and bloom again, once they are given sufficient light.

If you wish to have suckers, then maybe you could bend them to the point of almost cutting off the life. Leave them a while, but make sure you water and fertilise just the same, and in a few months you will have baby plants.

Dear Doc:

What is the best thing to plant phalaenopsis in? I live in Portland where it rains almost every day, and phalaenopsis doesn't like water, as you know.

My orchids die because of too much water, or moisture.

Monica

Dear Monica:

If you are having a problem of too much water, then I would definitely go with stones or pebbles; that way the water just runs right out. Remember, all these plants came from the wild where there is lots of water. The problem is not too much water, it is the medium that you are planting them in.

The saying " There is no bad weather, just wrong clothing" seems to apply here.