I have a few vandas and notice that whenever I get a bloom it only lasts about two weeks. Is that normal? Or am I watering it too much? Should I give it food or booster while it has blooms?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Joan

Dear Joan:

No, I don’t think it is the water; too much water would kill them.

I think it is either too much exposure to smoke or too much fertiliser.

Try flushing them with pure, fresh water.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I am seeking your feedback on my plan to re-pot my phalaenopsis in charcoal. I lost six plants last year, after trying really hard with them: not over-watering or allowing them to get too dry. I even used ice cubes but I still lost them. They are in a shaded place. Now I have three new plants and I fear that they too are going to eventually die. It is hard to care the moss medium.

Would appreciate your suggestions. Thanks.

Barrett

Dear Barrett:

Now might be the wrong time to re-pot phalaenopsis, as the blooming peak period is starting anytime now, depending on the area you live. I would wait until about spring.

However, if you still want to go ahead, ensure that all older roots are trimmed and they will do very well in the charcoal, but you will need to water more than before.

If you are willing to wait, please feel the moss, and water only when it is 3/4 dry.

Betty Stephenson Ashley

Betty’s Landscaping ,Farm Garden Supplies

161 Constant Spring Road,

Kingston 8, Jamaica .

Cell # 8763224585, 8700191

876-931-8804, 876-755-2204

Fax 876-931-8805

betty-may2@hotmail.com