Dear Orchid Doc:

I have been told to soak my dehydrated strap leaf Vandas in a bucket of water with a little fertiliser and Superthrive. Is this good for these orchids?

Sharon

Dear Sharon:

It is good for rehydrating the plants as long as you don’t overdo it or sink the leaves in the liquid, as this will cause rot. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine who grows her own orchids tells me she dunks the bareroot plants to keep them green and fresh until she gets a chance to plant them. Just keep the roots in for no more than 30 minutes.

Dear Orchid Doc:

Help ! All my Phalaenopsis Orchids are dropping leaves like crazy; most of them have only one or two leaves left. They have been in the house from late last year. I’m desperate.

Jane

Dear Jane:

It would seem to me that you have not been using any fungicide on your orchids.

Make a paste with the powdered fungicide and then paint it on the wounds. Protect the orchids from the rain, and do not water them for a few days.

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