Dear Orchid Doc:

The roots of my orchids, which are in the greenhouse, are all green. Should I be worried?

Janette

Dear Janette:

 Your orchids are getting too much water and little opportunity to dry. The green roots are in the embryonic stage of algae/fungus which is an overnight killer. Use Physan, which is a fungicide/ algaecide /bactericide. Mix and spray directly on the affected area, once per week for at least three weeks, and avoid wetting orchids when they are still wet.

Dear Orchid Doc:

What do I do with my orchids once the bloom is finished?

Mitsy

Dear Mitsy:

When the bloom is finished you can either cut it off, in the case of a Dendrobium or Vanda. With the Phalaenopsis, wait to see if there might be another bloom, which is usually smaller than the first. Fertilise as usual, and most importantly, whenever plants are inside they are usually not sprayed with a fungicide. Hence, they tend to rot, especially when in a planter pot which gathers water. Either empty the water every day or get rid of the planter, and take the plant back outside. They really do prefer the outdoors.

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