Dear Orchid Doc:

Help, my orchids are ailing! Under the Dendrobium leaves are dark brown and the spot is not rubbing off. What do I do?

J P

Dear JP;

Your Dendrobiums appear to have what is known as orchid rust.

Please add two teaspoons of Topsin plus one teaspoon of Caprid to a gallon of water. Pour the solution in a spray bottle.

Then use once per week, preferably when it is cool as the sun will cause the chemical to burn, for a period of three to four weeks and then, once every two weeks for a period of two months, then back to your regular routine.

Your plants should start ‘getting better’ within four weeks. Please note, however, that the old rust will not come off the leaves unless you pick them off.

Dear Orchid Doc:

I bought some Phalaenopsis for the season and most of the buds have not only turned yellow but have fallen off! What went wrong?

Cuz

Dear Cuz:

This could be the result of the buds not being full enough, or being too young (without the colour showing) and you have moved the plants from an area that has a marked difference in temperature in its new home.

When some buds have opened, position the bloom towards the light. This should help.