Dear Orchid Doc:

It is Epidendrum blooming time now, but as soon as my Epis are about to bloom the buds just get black and dry up. Can you tell me what is happening?

Florence D.

Dear Flo:

In Jamaica, especially if you have plenty of other plants around, Epidendrums are known to get thrips and mites frequently.

Your orchids seem to be suffering from a thrips problem. When you are spraying, please soak the buds, especially from the very early stage, with Caprid, Dimeathoate (very strong smell) or Newmectin. Remember to spray during the cooler times of day. Do do this once per week for at least four weeks, to get rid of the pests, then you can go back to your twice per month spraying.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I recently got a ground orchid plant and I am told that the correct name is Spathoglottis orchid.

I have tried to look after it but I’m not sure what it likes.

K.B

Dear KB

1. Acidic soil… To achieve this, mix some compost into your regular soil mixture, which can be had at any plant store.

2. Lots of water, especially in the growing season (springtime).

3.They prefer the semi-shaded area of your garden. (Think Mandeville temperature).

Every say 3-6 months, re-apply some compost around the roots.

Try this and your plants will reward you handsomely.

4. These hybrids will survive in the ground, but like many hybrids, they much prefer the controlled environment in a pot.

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