Dear Orchid Doc – February 4
Dear Orchid Doc:
My orchids in the greenhouse, the roots are all green. Is this something to worry about?
Janette
Dear Janette:
Your orchids are getting too much water before getting a chance to dry off.
The green roots are in the embryonic stage of algae /fungus is a overnight killer. Physan 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:
Every time I receive an orchid, after the bloom is finished, I never know what to do to keep it alive. Any suggestions?
Mitsy
Dear Mitsy:
When the bloom is finished, you can either cut it off, in the case of a dendrobium or vanda. In the case of a phalaenopsis, you have the option to 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
Orchid Cottage
Kingston 8, Jamaica.
Cell # 876-3224585,
Fax 876-931-8805
bettystephensonashley@gmail.com
