Dear Orchid Doc:

Can you share a few of the different ways to plant an orchid ?

Sydney

Dear Sydney:

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

As a matter of fact, most orchids look good in a wooden basket.

2. Use driftwood: Tie different species of the same climate requirement; be creative with the leaves by using the smaller species.

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 to a dead tree. Pay close attention to the direction from which the sun shines (this depends on the species: some like the sun, others do not).

5. A tree with a hollow body is the perfect place to tie a Phalaenopsis.

6. The trunk of a palm tree would also be appropriate.

7.Never fully cut down a tree! Leave it at about six feet and dress it up.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I hope all is well with you.

Please tell me the best way to water my Phalaenopsis. The leaves of mine are wrinkled and I know it is because the plants do not get enough water. I am afraid to allow the water to touch the leaves as I hear this will cause rotting.

CM

Dear CM:

Water them in the morning so they have the entire day to dry off.

Also the fungicide is enough to keep them safe. Use fungicide once per week if they are sick, or once every fortnight if they are not.

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