Gardening — December 13
Dear Orchid Doc:
There are quite a few bareroot orchids being sold on the market. Could you elaborate on the care, please, and how to get them off to a good start?
Michelle
Dear Michelle
Bareroot orchids are like starting a new life, in that they probably were cut from a mother plant and need to start growing their own roots.
In order for new roots to start quickly, give them 50 per cent sunlight and also water them plenty — plenty, meaning: as soon as they are dry again, wet them.
Please note that this is only provided they are getting 50 per cent light.
Once they are getting the light and the water the roots will start to grow fast.
Do not water when they are already wet.
Too much sun and not enough water causes dehydration, but at the same time, too much water can cause rot.
Watch the body language of the plant; it will tell you.
Wrinkled leaves are signs of dehydration.
Also, remember if you plant the orchid too deep, you will lose the leaves below stones.
Fertilise with a soluble fertiliser for the bareroot, I would say, once per week.
As they start to grow roots, you can probably increase the frequency.
Dear Orchid Doc:
My Epidendrum orchid, every time it’s about to bloom, the buds just get black and dry. Can you tell me what is happening?
Vev
Dear Vev,
In Jamaica, especially if you have plenty of other plants around, Epidendrums (epi) are known to get thrips and mites frequently. Your epi seems to be suffering from a thrip problem. Please soak the bud; when you are spraying, especially from the very early stage, with caprid, dimeathoate (very strong smell) or newmectin. Please remember to spray during the cooler times of day. Please do this once per week for at least four weeks. After which the pest should be gone, then you can go back to your twice-permonth spraying.
Betty Stephenson Ashley
Betty’s Farm Garden Supplies
161 Constant Spring Road,
Kingston 8, Jamaica .
Cell: 876-3224585, 8700191
876-931-8804, 876-755-2204
Fax: 876-931-8805
betty-may2@hotmail.com