Dear Orchid Doc:

I find that some of my orchids are starting to get sunburnt in certain areas of the garden. The gardener sprays them between 9:00 and 10:00 am.

Is it too hot to spray them at that time?

Audrey

Dear Audrey:

I believe that the sun is probably shifting a bit, so the orchids that were fine in one area will be uncomfortable six months later. What I do is to put a much taller palm in that area to provide shade, because by October it will be time to move the palm again.

With regard to the chemicals, if the plant is very hot to the touch you could wet the orchids to bring down the temperature first before they are sprayed.

Dear Orchid Doc:

What tips can you offer about watering plants during the drought when we have water lock-offs?

Terri -Ann

Dear Terri-Ann:

What I did was to dig and store water in an underground tank. Water is pumped out when required. You could gutter the roof and direct the water to said tank.

Dear Orchid Doc:

When should I repot my orchid?

Kady

Dear Kady

Dear Kady

Orchids should be repotted every 2-3 years and the best time to repot is March to October. Choose a pot which is big enough to allow for another three years’ growth. You might like to put it in a clear pot which replicates the conditions they get in the wild. Always use a bark mix which is specially designed for orchids.

Dear Orchid D

oc:

oc:

How can I get my orchid to reflower?

NadineDear Nadine:

Nadine

Dear Nadine:

After your orchid flowers, count two nodes down from the last flower, cut above the second node and it should re-flower from that point. If it doesn’t, or has gone a long spell without flowering, try placing it in a cooler spot for 3/4 weeks and then bring back into a warmer spot.