Dear Orchid Doc: I need help with my orchids, as the sun is turning them yellow. Can I put some greenhouse material over them until this heat has passed? — J Hop

Dear J Hop:

If you cover your orchids with mesh you’ll be confronted with yet another issue when the cooler months arrive — they will become accustomed to too much shade. What I have done in the past is to get a few palm trees and spread it over them, just enough to take off a little of the direct sun. Also, please use a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) once per week on those exposed to a lot of sun. This will help to put back some of the green. Please do not spray in the heat as this will cause them to burn. Betty Stephenson Ashley Betty’s Landscaping, Farm Garden Supplies 161 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8, Jamaica Telephone: 1 (876) 322-4585, 870-0191, 931-8804, 755-2204 Fax: 1 876-931-8805 betty-may2@ hotmail.com DEAR

Doc with Betty Ashley Q A

Dear Orchid Doc:

I am always fascinated by the vibrant colours of the orchids displayed on your page. I live in Portmore which is very dry and hot. What’s the best type of orchids for those conditions? The sun sets on my carport.

Thanks.

— Jacqs

Dear Jacqs:

I assume that you would like to put the orchids to the front of the house. Since the sun sets on the carport, this would mean that the area in front would be getting sun from about noon onward – naturally this is when the sun is at its hottest.

What I would suggest is that you plant a few palm trees along the driveway before you start with the orchids. You could plant semi-terete (sun vandas) and mokaras.