Dear Orchid Doc,

My dens and catts are sending out new suckers, but each time they turn black and then die. I know I am not overwatering because I water every eight to 10 days when the medium is dry. The dens are planted in stones and the catts in coconut bark, charcoal and stones. Please help me. I have lost a few of my plants and would hate to lose any more, as orchids are expensive and I have a problem getting them. I live in Westmoreland.

Please be kind enough to answer by e-mail as I wouldn’t want an entire week to

pass before getting an answer. Thanks much.

— Angel

Dear Angel:

Let’s deal with the dendrobiums first. Unless they are getting rain, they are not getting enough water. Plants that are in stones must be watered at least every other day, unless the area is very damp and cold. Maybe you have misunderstood my instructions in the Style Observer. The Phalaenopsis are the ones when planted

in sphagnum moss that can survive that long.

It sounds to me as if you are not using any fungicide on your orchids. They must be treated with a fungicide once every two weeks for prevention and once per week if you have a problem, like in your case. You might want to try Physan or Phyton 27; either one will solve the problem.Betty Stephenson Ashley

Dear Orchid Doc:

I am having a problem with my sun Vandas. They are in bloom, but the blooms are not as perfect as I would like: they have marks through them , some are turned in at the ends or edges, some look deformed and some won’t open. Can you help?

— Will

Dear Will:

Your Sun Vandas are being attacked by thrips as well as mites. The insecticides Newmectin or Caprid will do a good job. Please follow the instructions.

Betty’s Landscaping, Farm Garden Supplies

161 Constant Spring Road,

Kingston 8, Jamaica .

Cell # 1 876 322-4585, 870-0191, 931-8804, 755-2204

Fax: 1 876-931-8805

Email: betty-may2@hotmail.com