Dear Doc:

Other than what is written on the chemicals, are there any special precautions that must be taken when spraying orchids?

Sybil

Dear Sybil:

Here are a few recommended tips:

* It is best to spray very early in the morning or after the sun goes down, as the plants will burn in the heat.

* Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to prevent skin contamination.

* Wear respiratory protection.

* Never spray on a windy day.

Dear Doc:

I bought some bareroot Vandas that rooted very well, but since the rains I have noticed that some of the roots are shrivelling and rotting from the area where the roots are attached to the body. What can I do to remedy this situation?

Betty

Dear Betty

You are very observant. I wish more people would pay that much attention to their plants. What you have noticed is the embryonic stage of a fungus, caused by over-watering.

Clip off all the roots that are affected and use some Phyton 27 at a rate of 2 tbs per gallon of water (double dosage) every 5 days for 4 weeks.

By this time a part of the body would have already been affected and would have manifested in a brown layer, strip this. Mix a thick paste from the fungicide Ridomil, and apply to the affected area (neck of orchid).

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.