Dear Orchid Doc:

When it’s not one thing, it’s another.

During the past few weeks my Dendrobiums are getting black spots on the leaves then they turn yellow. This does not affect any other plant. What can I use to rectify this situation?

Doreen

Dear Doreen:

In the last few weeks we have been having lots of rain. If your Dendrobiums are getting more water than usual then you will have this problem; what is more, they will rot if you are not using a bactericide /fungicide.

While insects will prevent your plants from blooming, they won’t kill them, but the rains will cause rotting as evidenced by those spots that you have noticed.

It is wise to use a fungicide at least once per week. When we are getting this much rain, try to get one which is also a bactericide as well.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I have quite a lot of small Dendrobiums that I bought recently.

I noticed that the seedlings are grown in coconut husk. Does this mean that I am to plant them in coconut husk or am I just to leave it on when I plant them?

Gerri

Dear Gerri:

Whenever a plant is disturbed, you must trim the roots. In this case you would cut the coir off.

The coir is used to grow the seedlings because of the delicate

embryonic stage of the orchid in order to protect them.

Use a sterile pruner to cut off the coir before planting them in 3/4 cut stones. Do not plant too deep,and do pack stones around the plant.

Dearest Readers:

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Betty’s Farm Garden Supplies

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