Dear Orchid Doc:

At what height is it okay to cut my orchids?

— Gertrude

Dear Gertrude:

It is not only the height of the orchid but also the type of orchid.

Dendrobiums, for example, like many types of orchids, multiply from the root.

Sun vandas you cut only if you will have at least three roots on the upper part of the plant, which would now become the new plant.

Try not to cut the plant before it reaches approximately three feet.

Dear Orchid Doc:

The tips of my Vanda are turning yellow. Can you tell me what is wrong?

— Dara

Dear Dara:

When the tips of the Vandas turn yellow, it means something has gone wrong with the root system. Most cases would suggest an overuse of fertiliser, in which case you need to flush the plant with lots of water.

One should really flush with pure water once per week on a regular basis, to wash off the build-up of fertiliser, and other elements.

Dear Orchid Doc:

Why is it that whenever one buys bare-root orchids they drop leaves so easily, and also fail to grow roots, though they might be spiking or blooming?

— Stephen

Dear Stephen:

When orchids drop or shed leaves, they should be able to stay much longer without yellowing of leaves if you stand them upright rather than laying them flat while waiting to plant them.

The failure to grow roots is a direct result of the plant sending all the energy to the blooming aspect of the orchids. Cut the spike if the orchid has no roots. This will redirect the energy to the roots.

Betty Stephenson Ashley

Betty’s Farm Garden Supplies

161 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8, Jamaica.

Cell # 876-3224585, 8700191

876-931-8804, 876-755-2204

Fax 876-931-8805

betty-may2@hotmail.com