Dear Orchid Doc:

Can you give some ideas as to different ways to plant an orchid ?

Sonya

Dear Sonya:

1. A Phalaenopsis always looks good in a wooden basket.

As a matter of fact, almost any orchid looks good in a wooden basket.

2. Tie different species of orchids with the same climate requirement onto a piece of driftwood. Use the smaller species and be creative with the leaves.

3. Cut a dried piece of coconut husk in the shape of a peg of fruit (top to bottom). Tie in the middle a piece of Dendrobium, or an Oncidium, or even a Phalaenopsis.

4. Tie different species onto a dead tree, making special note of the direction from which the sun shines.

5. If you have a tree with a hollow body, tie a Phalaenopsis into it.

6. You could also plant your orchids on the trunk of a palm tree.

7.If you ever have a dead tree in the yard, never cut it down completely. Leave it at about six feet and dress it up.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I hope all is well with you.

Can you please tell me the best way to water my Phalaenopsis?

The leaves are wrinkled and I know it is as a result of being under-watered. I am afraid to allow the water to touch the leaves as I hear this will cause rotting.

Colleen Allen

Dear Colleen:

Water them in the morning so they have the whole day to dry off. Also, fungicide is enough to keep them safe. Use fungicide once per week if they are sick….once every two weeks if they are healthy.