Dear Orchid Doc – Sept 22
The roots of my orchids in the greenhouse 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 which 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 watering orchids when they are still wet.
Dear Orchid Doc:
Help! What do I do with an orchid after the bloom is finished? Any suggestions as to how to keep it alive?
Mitsy
Dear Mitsy:
When the bloom is finished , you can either cut it off, in the case of the dendrobium or vanda; in the case of Phalaenopsis there might be a secondary bloom – invariably smaller than the first – so just wait and see.
Fertilise as usual, and most importantly, be aware that whenever plants are kept inside, they are usually not sprayed with a fungicide and tend to rot, especially when in a planter pot which gathers water. Either empty the water daily or get rid of the planter, and take the plant back outside. They really do prefer the outdoors.
Betty Stephenson Ashley
Betty’s Landscaping ,Farm Garden Supplies
161 Constant Spring Road,
Kingston 8, Jamaica .
Cell # 8763224585, 8700191
876-931-8804, 876-755-2204
Fax 876-931-8805
betty-may2@hotmail.com