Dear Orchid Doc:

I recently bought two sun Vandas, took them home to Portmore and put them in the sun. I was told that they could take the sun, but unfortunately they got burnt badly. This is my first try at orchids, and I am really disappointed. Is there anything I can do to revive them?

I recently bought two sun Vandas, took them home to Portmore and put them in the sun. I was told that they could take the sun, but unfortunately they got burnt badly. This is my first try at orchids, and I am really disappointed. Is there anything I can do to revive them?

Patrice

Dear Patrice:

I am so sorry about your orchids. Usually, I tell my readers that when they buy a sun Vanda, it is always wise to take note of the difference between the sunlight from the area it is leaving compared to the new environment. I notice you live in Portmore, where the temperature is high.

I would advise that you test areas first to compare any great difference in sunlight.

You could also position the plant so the leaves point towards the east — the direction of the rising sun. Place your open palm with your thumb pointing towards your face. Position the plant so that the sun rises on either the little or big finger and sets on the other.

In the meantime, use a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen. Place your Vandas in an area with about 50 per cent shade until they recover. If you remove them entirely from the sun they will never recover.

Dear Orchid Doc:

Since the recent rainy season, I have noticed some blighted buds on my strap leaf Vanda. The buds have turned yellow and mushy and have a little odour. Can you shed some light?

Kathy

Dear Kathy:

If you did not move them in the embryonic stage of the bloom, which would cause abortion of the buds, then the condition could stem from the following:

A. They have thrips, or

B. They have been getting too much water. As I have not examined the orchids, I think the problem could be thrips.

You could use Cure or Newmectin which you can obtain at the Farm Store. Please wear proper clothing when spraying.