Dear Orchid Doc:

I find your column very helpful. What can I do to prevent the lower leaves of my Dinah Shore vanda from going black? If they are already black, can the condition be reversed?

Thank you.

Joan

Dear Joan:

The Dinah Shore orchid is an extremely pretty red, which blooms up to six spikes at a time; however, there is a hereditary problem with the family. The black-looking streaks will always be a part of Miss Dinah Shore. To my knowledge, there is nothing you can do to stop or prevent it, so enjoy her with her flaws.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I have some Phalaenopsis, and I have noticed that the leaves have a crack down the middle. I have accused the gardener on more than one occasion of cutting the plant. Do you think that there is a slim possibility that something else could be wrong?

Dianthe

Dear Dianthe:

These things happen all the time. I sympathise with the poor gardener getting the blame for things he didn’t do. The reason for your leaves splitting in the middle is irregular watering. You need to get a regular schedule for watering them, basically at about the same time and same amount, and not just when you remember.

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

bettystephensonashley@gmail.com