Dear Orchid Doc — Jan 16
Dear Orchid Doc:
It is the season for epidendrums. I see them blooming all over the place, but mine refuse to bloom. What do you think is the reason?
Emily
Dear Emily:
There could be three reasons why your epidendrums are not blooming:
1. Maybe insects like thrips or mites are attacking them.
2. They are not in a cool enough area, though they have enough light.
3 On the other hand, they could be getting too much shade.
Hopefully by a process of elimination you’ll find the solution.
Dear Orchid Doc;
I recently bought a strap leaf Vanda but hadn’t noticed that the leaves were all covered with a silvery whitish substance. I’ve tried to remove it but it resurfaces as soon as the plant is dry.
Do you know what it could be? And how do I get rid of it?
Milli
Dear Milli:
It seems as if your orchid is covered with chlorine remnants.
This will happen if the water you are using has too much chlorine. I am not quite sure how to get rid of the chlorine but will do some research and get back to you.