| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Repotting Orchids | 11/21/2009 |
Q: Can our orchid be repotted into a glass container that does not have a drainage hole?
A: Julian, I would not advise repotting your orchid into a glass container. Orchids differ from most ...
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| Dying Orchid | 11/20/2009 |
Q: I'm not to sure what type of orchid I have, its white with a magenta center, I've only had it for a ...
A: You have a phalaenopsis orchid. This is a house plant that likes it warm with medium light. ...
|
| Dying Orchid | 11/20/2009 |
Q: I'm not to sure what type of orchid I have, its white with a magenta center, I've only had it for a ...
A: Rezwana, my best guess is that you have a dendrobium orchid. If you can send a picture, that would ...
|
| What to do with cattleya while on vacation? | 11/18/2009 |
Q: You were so helpful with a question I asked recently that when I realized that I had another orchid ...
A: Good to hear from you again Susan. Mature cattleyas with well developed pseudobulbs are quite ...
|
| Cymbidium spots | 11/17/2009 |
Q: I have a cymbidium that I have had for a year. I repotted it this fall. It was packed with roots but ...
A: Gelerie, yes I would unpot it and soak the entire plant in a solution of Phyton 27 (copper sulphate) ...
|
| Orchid roots | 11/17/2009 |
Q: my two year old Orchid looks healthy, it was a gift and has bloomed twice now. This year the growth ...
A: I'm going to assume that you have a phalaenopsis (moth) orchid and you are talking about a growth on ...
|
| gro-lite burn on orchids leaves | 11/17/2009 |
Q: I've realized,through trial and error,that the only place I can put my beloved orchids and ...
A: If you were using a "spot grolight", those do get pretty hot, so you will need at least 12 inches ...
|
| Lycaste | 11/14/2009 |
Q: I have a Lycaste Koolena x Sunrise x cruenta, which I have had for several years. It flowered for ...
A: Jan, three events or conditions could be responsible. You may be able to narrow down the three to ...
|
| white eggs on roots | 11/12/2009 |
Q: I am in Melbourne Australia and were given two orchids when I had my third baby 19 months. ...
A: Emma, thank you for your questions. I cannot say for certain what the egg-like masses are on the ...
|
| Orchid Bark | 11/11/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I just purchased some blooming-size cattleyas that will be coming in about a week. Having ...
A: Angelo, while that net pot is definitely more heavy duty than the standard net pot, it is not heavy ...
|
| dying plants | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I grow under lights. The light set-up is under a window. The window was open when the gardners came ...
A: Dottie, if you have a picture to share, that might be helpful. My initial thought is that your ...
|
| new growth on old plant | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I also have another phalanopsis orchid I have had for years and after its last bloom, it has started ...
A: The roots on keikis grow at the base of the keiki's leaves. Usually the leaves are first to develop ...
|
| Orchid Bark | 11/11/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I just purchased some blooming-size cattleyas that will be coming in about a week. Having ...
A: Good day Angelo. I think two to four holes in the side of your clay pots would be helpful. I ...
|
| new growth on old plant | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I also have another phalanopsis orchid I have had for years and after its last bloom, it has started ...
A: Amanda, some phalaenopsis orchids retain a green flower spike long after flowering. These can ...
|
| new leaf growth and repot | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I have rescued a new phalenopsis orchid and it badly needed to be repotted. It had lots of very long ...
A: Amanda, good for you for recognizing the need to repot. You should definitely not remove roots that ...
|
| orchid leaves dying | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I am new to orchids, and have owned a small phalaenopsis orchid for 2 weeks and have not repotted it ...
A: Elizabeth, thanks for the photo. It does look like the start of crown rot from your picture. You ...
|
| Cymbidium black spots, mottling leaves | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I have a Cymbidium Chung Ruby orchid and recently noticed it had a few larger black spots near the ...
A: Vivian, I think the sulphur based spray would be best. But, before you use it let's discuss the ...
|
| fungus | 11/9/2009 |
Q: Wayne-I live in the tropics and grow orchids outside 12 months a year. Lately I seem to be battling ...
A: Kristin, one of the most difficult issues with fungus is the spread of the fungus by means of spores ...
|
| Orchid Flower Wilt from top of flowers | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I have a question regarding a wilting orchid flower on a stem...only it's the top flower on the ...
A: Lynn, it is difficult to know the cause for certain, but, since it has been in flower since June, it ...
|
| orchid root ball is gone | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My dog got to my Den. inagaki Pink orchid and destroyed the root ball and part of the plants. Is ...
A: Debbie, most dendrobium orchids have a rest period before resuming new growth. If your plant was ...
|
| Cattleya sick | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I have a Cattleya orchid. After giving too much attention, it is dying. I believed that I watered ...
A: Lena, normally, Cattleyas require a minimum of three health pseudobulbs to promote and support new ...
|
| Cymbidium black spots, mottling leaves | 11/4/2009 |
Q: I have a Cymbidium Chung Ruby orchid and recently noticed it had a few larger black spots near the ...
A: Vivian, thank you for seeking my advice. You didn't mention any repotting that might have been done ...
|
| flower stalk so long | 10/27/2009 |
Q: My question is about a phalaenopsis. I've had it at least four years and it blooms often. Right now ...
A: Debbie, it is not uncommon for mature phalaenopsis to have long blooming spikes. It is a function ...
|
| orchid transplanting | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I have an cymbidium orchid that is about 50 years old. It was in a large wooden planter box. It ...
A: Nicole, that is one incredible cymbidium. You didn't mention how long it has been since repotting. ...
|
| Phalenopis Orchid dosen't seem to be doing well | 10/21/2009 |
Q: I reciently repoted my 6 month old Phanenopis orchid after it seemed to have a near death ...
A: Cheryl, one caution when repotting with fir bark potting mix. It should soaked good prior to use. ...
|
| bark fungus | 10/21/2009 |
Q: I use clear plastic pots for my lady slippers and phals. There is a white sugary looking substance ...
A: Ann, thank you for your question. It sounds as if you need to repot in fresh orchid potting mix. ...
|
| New to orchids | 10/20/2009 |
Q: I recieved an orchid and have been trying to figure out how to best care for it. I don't have any ...
A: the most common orchid that grows on canes is a dendrobium orchid. Dendrobiums grow their leaves on ...
|
| phaleonopsis (sp?) sick?? | 10/14/2009 |
Q: My phaleonopsis that I've had for several years has developed black mushy spot on the base of the ...
A: Happy to help Sue. There are three main aspects to this process. First you must locate and ...
|
| Vandas - Types? | 10/13/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I bought three (3) Vandas over the weekend, two (2) of them have name tags; I am trying to ...
A: Angelo, I checked my orchid data base and found that Ascda (short for Ascocenda) Butterfly ...
|
| Vanda - Name? | 10/13/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I am writing to you because I have a Vanda whose name I don't know, I was hoping that ...
A: As you might suspect, there are hundreds of vandaceous hybrids with this coloration. To make ...
|
| keiki potting up | 10/13/2009 |
Q: I have a white phalaenopsis orchid which has now produced two keiki, both have considerable root ...
A: Catherine, to reduce the stress level on the mother plant, I recommend removing either one or both ...
|
| vanda orchids | 10/13/2009 |
Q: i have many vandas one of which is about 8 years old. I has 3 blooms stems ready to open. It ...
A: Dee, it is not unusual for vandas to produce keikis (ie new plants) that can be removed and potted ...
|
| phaleonopsis (sp?) sick?? | 10/12/2009 |
Q: My phaleonopsis that I've had for several years has developed black mushy spot on the base of the ...
A: Sue, you failed to mention how long ago you repotted the plant. Orchid plants need to be potted in ...
|
| Water system | 10/11/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I will be going on vacation in the near future and would like to come up with a misting ...
A: Angelo, sorry that I can't recall where I got them as I have had them for so long. You can go to a ...
|
| Water system | 10/11/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I will be going on vacation in the near future and would like to come up with a misting ...
A: Angelo, you may want to use something similar to what I have in my greenhouse during the summer. I ...
|
| Vandas Stand | 10/11/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I bought my first 3 Vandas yesterday, they are currently hanging off a long metal hook (2-3 ...
A: Angelo, the first thing I would check out is the possibility of hanging it from a horizontal support ...
|
| Orchids - Eliminating critters | 10/11/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I have my orchids in my screened-in patio (pool area) on a couple of nice wooden benches I ...
A: Angelo, none of the insecticides that I use on my orchids specify roaches as a target. You might ...
|
| Orchid plant dying? | 10/10/2009 |
Q: I have a phalaneopsis plant that looks like it's dying. I treated it with Physan 20 when I noticed ...
A: Ashley, if you lost quite a few roots, that could be the cause of the yellowing. Roots provide ...
|
| one brown leaf | 10/10/2009 |
Q: i bought a young phalaenopsis from a nursery maybe 2 months ago. since i bought it, i water it once ...
A: Samantha, there could several causes of the browning of the leaf. The main focus, is to prevent ...
|
| Orchid Identification | 10/6/2009 |
Q: are you able to identify an orchid if I send you a pic? ANSWER: Adrian, Let's give it a go. I can ...
A: Adrian, Holcoglossum identifies one of four general groups of vanda species. This group is terete ...
|
| New Phalaenopsis Orchid | 10/6/2009 |
Q: I got this Phalaenopsis orchid about one month ago as a gift, and now it's dying... I'm guessing I ...
A: Jen. it wasn't anything you did as it had to be in poor shape when you got it. It suffers from root ...
|
| orchid | 10/1/2009 |
Q: My orchid has got floppy leaves but still green where as the stem and roots are dry and died is ...
A: Miranda, I will assume that you are talking about a phalaenopsis orchid. Also, I assume that the ...
|
| Can I save this orchid? | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I've been reading all of your orchid advice for the past week or so and nothing was speaking ...
A: Katie, You didn't mention which type of orhid you have. My experience with groceries that sell ...
|
| Help! Going Buggy... | 9/30/2009 |
Q: I have 8 orchid plants. I noticed a small flying bug a while ago in one plant and noticed 1 or 2 ...
A: I'm not a great fan of moss. A little long fibered moss mixed in may be okay but, in time, moss ...
|
| Help! Going Buggy... | 9/30/2009 |
Q: I have 8 orchid plants. I noticed a small flying bug a while ago in one plant and noticed 1 or 2 ...
A: Gail, it sounds like you have an infestation of fungus gnats. The good news is that they don't ...
|
| ORCHID BLOOMING HAS STOPPED---WHAT NOW??? | 9/23/2009 |
Q: after many months of prolific blooming, my orchid suddenly stopped blooming and all of the flowers ...
A: Normally, the old flower spike turns brown from the tip down. You may cut it off just above a node ...
|
| Large, well established orchid | 9/22/2009 |
Q: I have found success in a growing orchid interest. But I have run into one large panic situation ...
A: Katherine, if your emergency repot was done with a quality orchid potting mix which contained fir ...
|
| Phalaenopsis Orchid, will it bloom again? | 9/22/2009 |
Q: After my Orchid has lost all of it's petals, will it bloom again? Do I need to do anything to the ...
A: Janet, You should do two things: repot your orchid in fresh orchid potting mix in a well drained pot ...
|
| Something wrong with my Orchid? | 9/19/2009 |
Q: this is a Phalaenopsis orchid that I got in May.I'm worried that I might have accidentally over ...
A: Dee, you should repot it. Be sure to use a fir bark based orchid potting mix or equivalent. Wet ...
|
| dendrobium | 9/18/2009 |
Q: this year my orchids have failed, we have @6 plants all together receiving plenty of space, light ...
A: Richard, thanks for the questions. I assume these dendrobiums have done well and flowered for you ...
|
| reproduction planting | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Why is it that orchid's are planted by seeding? I have a big variety of orchids that I have planted ...
A: Antonio, as I indicated in my answer, my recommendation is that you use the book on Home Orchid ...
|
| leathery leaves Phalaenopsis | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I got a Phalaenopsis 2 weeks ago. It's currenlty in full bloom. I just noticed the two bottom leaves ...
A: Jinny, leathery leaves are likely genetic and could indicate the plant is a tetraploid. If the ...
|
| amount of substrate to use | 9/14/2009 |
Q: about how many inches deep should my substrate be for smaller types of orchids around 12'' tall?
A: Rich, I recommend that you use a well drained pot and put a bit of crocking in the bottom. Then I ...
|
| Spikes | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I have 4 5" potted and 2 3" potted(miniature) orchids.I acquired them from your local produce ...
A: Stacey, most orchids have a defined blooming interval which can vary from a few weeks to a few ...
|
| orchid vivarium | 9/14/2009 |
Q: i was planning on making a ~10 gallon hexagon viv. for masdvallia, specifically howeara lava burst ...
A: Rich, you will need to check the light level at the level of the plant leaf. If you are referring ...
|
| dendrobium stalks | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I had a large (3-4ft) potted dendrobium plant that I bought at the supermarket (nothing too special, ...
A: I recognize that the leafless canes may look unsightly, but as long as they are healthy, please ...
|
| sick orchid? | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I live in S. FL and just bought my first orchid. My daughter and I saw this sick little ...
A: Melissa and Lexi, you need to repot your precious little gem. Locate some fresh orchid potting mix ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I am a newbie to orchid growing and purchased what I understand is called a "Ran Ran" orchid. I've ...
A: Lyn, glad to see you did your research. The actual cross to which the name Beauty Sheena was named ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 9/13/2009 |
Q: A friend just gave me a potted orchid. Research has determined that it a phalaenopsis, but I cannot ...
A: Kate, regrettably, without the tag that identifies the plant, there is no way to identify the ...
|
| Brown patches on the top of roots | 9/11/2009 |
Q: I have two otherwise healthy phals - but the top of the root (nearest to the plant) are developing ...
A: Heather, thanks for your question. It would be helpful to have a picture. Lacking that, it sounds ...
|
| orchid dying- want to save it. | 9/10/2009 |
Q: I have had my orchid for just over a year - during that time it has bloomed twice. I occasionally ...
A: April, there is a special potting mix for orchids-- so hopefully you used it to repot your plant. ...
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| Phalaenopsis - stalks turning yellow | 9/8/2009 |
Q: The stalks of my Phalaenopsis is turning yellow..I have had this orchid for 6 months and it is ...
A: Esthea, I assume the "stalks" to which you refer are old flower spikes that previously held the ...
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| bloom spike phalaenopsis | 9/8/2009 |
Q: This is my first experience with orchid growing. The last flower has just dropped and I am not sure ...
A: Angela, thanks for your question. You can cut off the old bloom spike above any of the nodes (ie ...
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| not sure what to do now | 9/7/2009 |
Q: I bought my orchid a few years ago and it has done very good. I had a baby and admit I neglected it ...
A: Erin, to answer your question, it does make a difference as to the type of orchid. If you could ...
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| how to take good care of dendrobium | 9/6/2009 |
Q: I've had phals before and learned how to take good care of them. But, I just bought a dendrobium for ...
A: Theo, with regard to the dendrobium rest period-- it usually starts with flowering. However, ...
|
| Down-hill since sunburned | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I'm fairly new to Orchids but had a couple donated to me so I thought I'd give it a shot, especially ...
A: Ella, it doesn't have to be in a clear plastic pot, but that type of a pot does have some ...
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| how to take good care of dendrobium | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I've had phals before and learned how to take good care of them. But, I just bought a dendrobium for ...
A: Theo, the dendrobium phalaenopsis flowers on new growth. Unlike phalaenopsis orchids, they are not ...
|
| Down-hill since sunburned | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I'm fairly new to Orchids but had a couple donated to me so I thought I'd give it a shot, especially ...
A: Ella, thanks for bringing this matter to my attention. The overheated leaf will soon part company ...
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| how to take good care of dendrobium | 9/3/2009 |
Q: I've had phals before and learned how to take good care of them. But, I just bought a dendrobium for ...
A: Theo, a picture might be helpful. The "thick palm tree bark' may be fir bark-- a standard orchid ...
|
| phalaenopsis orchids | 9/3/2009 |
Q: I'm pretty sure I have phalaenopsis orchids. One purple and one white. The purple orchid I have had ...
A: Lauren, you should obtain a bag of orchid potting mix and repot your orchids whenever they have just ...
|
| repotting phals | 9/2/2009 |
Q: King. I want to thank you again for your help concerning my "mutant" phal. I would like to repot ...
A: Christina, it is a good idea to thoroughly rinse off the roots prior to repotting. That is best to ...
|
| Drying orchid petals | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I recently bought my first orchid plant (an Oncidium orchid with white blooms that have little brown ...
A: First, on pot size, it' going to depend upon how many good roots you have. If you have lost quite a ...
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| Drying orchid petals | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I recently bought my first orchid plant (an Oncidium orchid with white blooms that have little brown ...
A: Stephanie, I think the flowers have simply reached the end of their cycle. The potting mix needs to ...
|
| Phalaenopsis - Wilting Leaves | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I have had this particular phalaenopsis for about 2 years. First it had a snail or mite infestation ...
A: Janie, it does seem as though you have root rot so I would re-examine the roots to see if you have ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis orchid that i just bought about 2 weeks ago and the leaves are beginning to ...
A: Christine, I'm sorry to have to tell you that your orchid has root rot. If you bought it at Home ...
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| orchid nelly isler | 8/31/2009 |
Q: my orchid flowered well for two years but this year it is making lots of leaf growth but no flowers ...
A: Marianne, Burrageara Nellie Isler is a member of the oncidium alliance which prefer bright light to ...
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| Dying Phal | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I took a friends orchid to nurst back to health but it has lost all roots and is now losing all ...
A: It appears that you have a healthy root and leaf so you could repot this plant in fresh orchid ...
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| Dying Phal | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I took a friends orchid to nurst back to health but it has lost all roots and is now losing all ...
A: Gee, as you probably know, most phalaenopsis orchids that succumb, do so because the potting mix has ...
|
| Mildewed roots and dying leaves | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I am a new owner of three moth orchids which seemed to be doing well for a few months, but now they ...
A: Erin, I'm glad you contacted me about this. We need to get to the root of the problem (excuse the ...
|
| leafs group off roots | 8/30/2009 |
Q: OK my question is this... In May 2009 I received a orchid plant from my children on Mother's Day. ...
A: Julie, unfortunately orchid leaves, unlike some other houseplant leaves cannot regenerate a plant. ...
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| need help with my orchid | 8/30/2009 |
Q: and i have an orchid. and the roots on the top look died. do i cut them off or what. the roots on ...
A: Jessica, the roots on the top have developed a covering to prevent them from drying out. You should ...
|
| no leaves, growing roots, still alive? | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I have 3 orchids (of my collection of 30), that i have a question about. I have 3 phalaenopsis ...
A: Good questions Stephanie. Leaves grow from a group of cells nestled in the crown of the plant. Loss ...
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| orchid petals dying off | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I am new to Orchids and my Moth Orchid petals are "Closing or Folding Up" . Does this in fact mean ...
A: Georgina, the flowering period is done but the orchid plant is not dying. You can cut the flower ...
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| White spots in potting mix | 8/28/2009 |
Q: My mother recently bought me a phalaenopsis plant from the farmer's market about 5 days ago. When I ...
A: Ashley, the white spots inside the container look like a component of the potting mix called ...
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| Brown nodules on the stems | 8/27/2009 |
Q: I have 2 orchids that have sappy leaves and brown crunchy nodules on the stems. There are huge ...
A: Unfortunately those crunchy brown nodules are brown scale insects. The one you described is the ...
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| moth orchid baby | 8/25/2009 |
Q: I'm finally getting successful, after four years, with my orchids. No rebloomers yet, but they are ...
A: While, as you pointed out, it is a bit difficult to see, it appears that it may be growing from an ...
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| My Orchid is almost dead | 8/25/2009 |
Q: My husband brought me a phalaenopsis orchid about 1 month ago. Its container is a glass one planted ...
A: Katerina, you need to obtain some orchid potting mix and a suitably sized plastic pot with 4-6 ...
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| Phalaenosis | 8/24/2009 |
Q: My plant, after flowering, in now producing baby plants with roots from 2 leave nodes. When and how ...
A: Ann, thanks for your question. I recommend that you not separate these keikis from the old flower ...
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| moth orchid baby | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I'm finally getting successful, after four years, with my orchids. No rebloomers yet, but they are ...
A: Christina, it would be interesing to see it. It will not injure the mother plant and it is likely ...
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| splitting orchids | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I have just started growing orchids. I bought about 20 of them at a house sale they are all blooming ...
A: Lynne, Since the keikis have been exposed to the same conditions as the parent while on the parent ...
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| splitting orchids | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I have just started growing orchids. I bought about 20 of them at a house sale they are all blooming ...
A: Lynne, thank you for sharing this with me. The dendrobium orchid pictured is truly lovely. Any ...
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| orchid | 8/21/2009 |
Q: My husband cut back my entire orchid plant to 1" by mistake. He broke my heart. Can it survive ...
A: Anjie, don't give up on it. I'm going to assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid. If you have ...
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| a dried out phal | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I just brought home a Phal from a friends house whom didn't water it the floweres on it had dried ...
A: Danine, it is normal for a flower spike to die back after it has finished flowering. If the flower ...
|
| Phal. has reddish green flower stems, is it ok? | 8/19/2009 |
Q: I just got a phalaeonopsis from my grandpa. There is one flower on it, still in bloom and strong. ...
A: Chiara, you are fortunate to have such a thoughtful grandpa. First, about the reddish brown specks. ...
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| Is my orchid okay? | 8/16/2009 |
Q: King, I received an orchid (Phalaenopsis) as a gift in June and it was beautiful. I think 4 of the ...
A: Dawny, I recommend that you locate a source for fir-bark based orchid potting mix and repot your ...
|
| phalinopsis | 8/16/2009 |
Q: When my phal finished its second bloom in a row, I cut the stalk off at its base. Should I have ...
A: Nancy, the flower spike on some phalaenopsis will turn brown and die back and should be removed as ...
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| Cymbidium Orchid Fungal Recommendation | 8/14/2009 |
Q: Good Afternoon Wayne, I just added a cymbidium orchid to my collection and nothing seems to be ...
A: Joellen, leaf spot is very common on cymbidiums and it is unsightly. I have sprayed with Kocide, a ...
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| Planting keiki's | 8/13/2009 |
Q: I live in London and I have a Phalaenopsis that made me 5 offshoots or keikis, almost two years ago. ...
A: Dana, once the old flower spike turns brown it will not rebloom so you did right in removing those ...
|
| White Orchid | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I have an orchid with white flowers. As soon as I took it home the flowers fell off within a week. ...
A: Jackie, there are several reasons why the new buds aborted. If the plant is fairly small it may not ...
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| Dendrobium blooming | 8/10/2009 |
Q: Last January I bought a Dendrobium Banana in full bloom from three shoots but also had many side ...
A: George, there is a registered complex hybrid dendrobium named Banana Royal. This hybrid consists ...
|
| backbulbs cymbidium | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I have 4 backbulbs in individual 4"pots, that have grown new growth. Each is 6-8" tall, has roots ...
A: Nancy, cymbidiums like to be tightly potted so they are fine in the 4" pots. Usually, each ...
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| backbulbs cymbidium | 8/8/2009 |
Q: I have 4 backbulbs in individual 4"pots, that have grown new growth. Each is 6-8" tall, has roots ...
A: Nancy, the backbulbs are needed to support the new growth so don't remove them at this time. The ...
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| Rotting orchid | 8/8/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I have had a couple of Phals which have started losing their leaves, the leaves are green for ...
A: Angelo, you can expect that occassionally an older leaf will yellow and fall off and be replaced by ...
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| Weird orchid problem | 8/7/2009 |
Q: I've been growing orchids as a hobby for over 20 years and have seen most of the standard problems, ...
A: Karen, you have me stumped also as I have not heard of this condition. However, you have the ...
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| rejuvenating a plant | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I received an orchid mothers day, no name. It had a long branch with purple blooms and fleshy large ...
A: Amanda, your plant has root rot. You will need to purchase a bag of orchid potting mix. This can ...
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| moth orchid | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I received a moth orchid for Mother's Day. It was from Home Depot or Lowes. It is planted in bark ...
A: Amy, congratulations on your orchid. First, you need to repot in an orchid potting mix. This is a ...
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| Dying Orchid | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I'm the guy who wrote last week about my Phaelanopsis orchid. After pinching faded blooms, trimming ...
A: Mark, thank you for detailing your efforts. Yes, you should have soaked the potting mix only-- ...
|
| Moth orchid | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I received a moth orchid in May of this year. It had several blooms on it and continued to bloom ...
A: Barbara, from being in a wet (damp) potting mix for so long, you will have root rot, which also ...
|
| repotting phalinopsis | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I just repotted a small phalinopsis into small bark . When I removed the plant from the old pot, I ...
A: Nancy, repotting into just small bark could create problems. I recommend that you create a potting ...
|
| Is my orchid salvagable? | 7/29/2009 |
Q: Please help...I just received an orchid from my grandmother. She got it as a gift last holiday ...
A: Natasha, from the picture, your plant appears to be a cymbidium orchid. Do not use moss as part of ...
|
| Orchid Nodes and Rebloom | 7/29/2009 |
Q: I purchased a Phalaenopsis orchid at "Lowes" garden center 9 days ago with six full blooms along the ...
A: Mark, thank you for your interesting questions. I have not seen a good explanation as to why the ...
|
| No flowers | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I read your answer on when there are no flowers on a plant you should re-pot it. Should I also cut ...
A: Suzi, if the old flower spike remains green cut it above a node (ie a joint). However, if the old ...
|
| What do you do when flowers fall off an orchid | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I have had an orchid for about 8mths and until recently it has had a lot of flowers with new blooms. ...
A: Sarah, you need to repot your plant. Find a source for orchid potting mix. Most nurseries that ...
|
| Unhealthy leaves | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a couple orchids, both of which have been re-potted in wire baskets with glass ...
A: Douglas, it is unlikely toxicity-- which is a longer term problem. Some experienced growers I know, ...
|
| whithered leaves | 7/27/2009 |
Q: Help-- I am killing my first orchid! the leaves are lightening and whithering. I haven't moved it, ...
A: Beckie, it is likely that your orchid has roots rot. You need to obtain some special orchid potting ...
|
| Unhealthy leaves | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a couple orchids, both of which have been re-potted in wire baskets with glass ...
A: Douglas, additional information might be helpful. Are you growing these orchids outside? If not, ...
|
| Orchid help please! | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I am currently growing an orchid that my grandmother gave me, in my room by the window. I don't know ...
A: David, the phalaenopsis orchid you pictured was turned or moved while the flower spike was emerging. ...
|
| Babysitting orchid - flowers are falling off | 7/26/2009 |
Q: A close friend has a much loved orchid and asked me to care for it at her home during July. The ...
A: Kris, the only orchid that comes to mind with a vinelike growth habit is the vanilla orchid. I don't ...
|
| Phal stem worries | 7/26/2009 |
Q: My phal bloomed, dropped the leaves and all was okay until the stem started to yellow. I cut off ...
A: Heather, you may cut the old flower spike all the way beck to where it originates on the plant. ...
|
| Phal stem worries | 7/26/2009 |
Q: My phal bloomed, dropped the leaves and all was okay until the stem started to yellow. I cut off ...
A: Heather, you have the type of phalaenopsis on which the flower stem naturally dies after flowering. ...
|
| Blooms prematurely dying | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I have several different orchid plants in my garden. They are growing well, and I have needed to ...
A: I'm assuming you were waiting for the plants to be done blooming before repotting. You didn't ...
|
| cutting off old stems | 7/23/2009 |
Q: My moth orchid has two shoots with blooms that all fell off and not the end of the shoot is turning ...
A: You undoubtedly have the type of phalaenopsis on which the old flower spikes die back after ...
|
| My Birthday Present | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I received an orchid (my favorite flower)for my 18th birthday from my fiance and i brought it to ...
A: Brittany, if you have a phalaenopsis orchid and if you still have healthy leaves and roots, the ...
|
| please help my orchid! | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I am desperately seeking advice about my orchid. I received a Phalaenopsis orchid in the beginning ...
A: Amanda, I'm glad you wrote when you did. First, I wouldn't be concerned about the end of flowering. ...
|
| Is my orchid rescueable? | 7/22/2009 |
Q: This is about one of my phal orchids from my wedding 7 months ago. It was beautiful with a few ...
A: Courtney, I have had several orchids that lost their leaves. It is difficlut to tell wether or not ...
|
| Is my orchid rescueable? | 7/22/2009 |
Q: This is about one of my phal orchids from my wedding 7 months ago. It was beautiful with a few ...
A: Courtney, it is difficult to say if you can rescue this plant. Any roots that have collapsed are ...
|
| orchid blooms | 6/27/2009 |
Q: I do not know what type of orchid I have but it is happy, so happy it bloomed tons of yellow and ...
A: Dana, the brief answer to your question is no. Breakage of a flower spike results in conservation of ...
|
| My Phalaenopsis | 6/26/2009 |
Q: I have two orchid plants, one is large and the other a mini version. The smaller one is dying i ...
A: Aleshia, I'm sure you recognize that here may be a difference between the wilting of the flowers and ...
|
| Orchid flowers falling off | 6/25/2009 |
Q: and up until two days ago it was beautiful, with pink and white large flowers about 6 on one branch. ...
A: Emily-Jane, it is natural for the plant to be done flowering after a couple of months flowering. If ...
|
| vandas transplanted to hydroponics | 6/23/2009 |
Q: can vandas be transplanted to hydroponic method? Two weeks ago I did it and my vanda orchid is ...
A: Deanna, I don't know of anyone who has tried to grow vandas hydroponically. In the tropics they ...
|
| phalanopsis disease | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I have about 100 phalanopsis and on 15% of the crop the leaf tissue becomes soft inside without any ...
A: Jeff, this sounds like a case of mesophyll collapse. This is usually related to physical stresses ...
|
| Holes in Phalaenopsis flowers | 6/22/2009 |
Q: Help please! My favorite and best orchid has suddenly developed holes in it's flowers but I can see ...
A: Roger, thanks for your question. It is likely that an insect called a thrip is responsible. ...
|
| growth of orchids | 6/21/2009 |
Q: King: Thank you for helping us with our plants. I have a Phalaenopsis and would like to know if I ...
A: On the one hand, you cannot propogate phalaenopsis orchids from a stem or leaf cutting as you might ...
|
| paphiopedlium | 6/19/2009 |
Q: My 'Harvest Moon' X Master Jewelry 'New Copper' leaves are very droopy and do not stand as erect as ...
A: Amy, it sounds as if your paph has lost some roots. Obtain a small quantity of orchid seedling ...
|
| Growing conditions | 6/19/2009 |
Q: ..much of the documentation says that most orchids want airflow. How do you recommend adding airflow ...
A: Jonathan, Air flow is important in two respects. The first is at the root level as, in nature these ...
|
| Nelly Isler | 6/19/2009 |
Q: ..I bought one of these in April, with 4 active flowering spikes. They are now starting to die. I ...
A: Jonathan, I recommend that you cut off the flower spikes at their point of origin on the plant and ...
|
| orchard sticky white/orange spots | 6/17/2009 |
Q: it seems to be slowly killing the stem i'm concerned this is contagous to my other 20 orchards can u ...
A: Angel, I'm going to assume that you are referring to "orchids". I wouldn't be of much help with ...
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| orchid | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I have a new shoot growing on the side of the main stalk and it is giving out an orange sticky ...
A: Silvana, the sticky substance to which you refer is, undoubtedly, plant sap. It contains nutrients ...
|
| Several stems on my orchid | 6/14/2009 |
Q: My orchid started growing one stem about 4 mos ago. That stem kepps getting taller but no flowers. ...
A: Patricia, in part, it depends upon what type of orchid you have. The most common orchid is the ...
|
| orchids | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I want to arrange some of my orchids on moss mounted in the niches of dead wood branches. Are there ...
A: Theresa, thank you for the interesting question. I would focus on wood that has a rough bark since ...
|
| Re-potting orchid | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I was wondering when is a good time to repot my orchid which has out grown it's orginal small pot. ...
A: Hopefully, the pot has lots of drainage holes in the bottom. Unpot your plant and rinse the old ...
|
| Orchid dying | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I got an Orchid for mother's day my favorite flower. Its in a coffee mug. It had 5 flowers on it ...
A: Christie, thank you for the question. I will assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid as they are ...
|
| Dendrobium - Burana Fancy - to cut or not to cut | 6/10/2009 |
Q: My Dendrobium orchid has just dropped its blooms, which were stunning!, and I'm getting mixed ...
A: Susie, dendrobium canes should only be cut back if a cane (or a portion thereof) is collapsing. ...
|
| care of orchids | 6/10/2009 |
Q: What care is needed AFTER orchids bloom?
A: Maxine, in general, most types of orchids should be repotted in an orchid potting mix commercially ...
|
| Cymbidium Orchid | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I bought my first cymbidum with beautiful green flowers but I think some of the bulbs are dead and ...
A: Good morning Melissa. There will be no doubt as to which of your cymdidium bulbs are dead. The ...
|
| Help revive my orchid | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I recently got a beautiful blooming orchid as a gift (might be a moth orchid) I left it with a ...
A: Marsha, from your description, your plant appears to be healthy. Cut the flower spike off just ...
|
| sharry baby | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I have a large Sharry Baby plant ( oncidium ) , this will be its 4 th year in my care and its ...
A: Jerry, spider mites thrive in a dry climate and so it is best to mist the plant frequestly when it ...
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| sharry baby | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I have a large Sharry Baby plant ( oncidium ) , this will be its 4 th year in my care and its ...
A: Jerry, as you may be aware, pseudobulbs serve a couple of functions: storage of valuable nutrients ...
|
| Re-Planting of an Orchid | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I live in Miami Florida I planted an orchid at my mom's house around the mango tree it is blooming ...
A: In the absence of more complete information reply, I assume the plant has establihed itsef by ...
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| Orchid | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I have a big orchid plant the one with no soil just root, large root system hanging in the air (I do ...
A: Yasmin, it is likely that your plant is in the vandaceous alliance such as a Vanda. These plants ...
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| Orchid | 6/5/2009 |
Q: A friend gave me an orchid which bloomed beautifully for awhile; however, the center stem turned ...
A: Beverly, if by the "center stem" you are referring to the old flower spike, cutting it off is fine. ...
|
| phalaenopsis wilting | 6/4/2009 |
Q: i was given a phalaenopsis orchid for mothers day this year, and it was doing wonderfully, but 2 ...
A: Nicki, basically, the phalaenopsis orchid consists of three parts: flower spike and any attached ...
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| Cutting | 6/2/2009 |
Q: I was cutting back this orchid - I realized the stem had a bud on it - I put in water and it has ...
A: Kimberly, as a rule orchid flower spikes do not root. It would not be unusual if the bud on this ...
|
| Phalaenopsis help please | 6/1/2009 |
Q: I have a phal that is not happy. It was in flower when I bought it 2 months ago, and it appeared to ...
A: Carol, first, let's focus on the plant with the "dead" area. Your method of putting it in a closed ...
|
| Dancing Lady seed pods | 5/31/2009 |
Q: My yellow Dancing Lady Oncidium sprouted seed pods this year - see photo. I live in South FL. How ...
A: Julie, growing plants from these seed pods would be an interesting, but a challenging, project. It ...
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| white bugs on my orchids | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I have cleaned off the bugs as they have got onto all off my orchids. I have 7 along my window, I ...
A: Pennie, part of the challenge relates to the mealg bugs spreading to other house plants in the area ...
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| brown spots on white flowers | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I have a bunch of white orchids that have brown spots on the blooms and the leafs have all died off ...
A: Steve, the spotting on the flowers is due to excessive humidity/moisture on the flowers, especially ...
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| Phalaenopsis help please | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I have a phal that is not happy. It was in flower when I bought it 2 months ago, and it appeared to ...
A: Carol, thanks for your questions. Your first question concerns "growing sideways". By that I ...
|
| Phalaenopsis Orchid | 5/29/2009 |
Q: I've had my orchid for a few months now and when I got it, it was very healthy with many flowers and ...
A: Jennifer, it is not good for an orchid to be wet at the roots for an extended period. I suggest you ...
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| Phal | 5/29/2009 |
Q: I have attached a photo of the affected leave on my Phal orchid. It was bloomed for 3 years, ...
A: Joan, thanks for the photo. It could be a viral infection. Difficult to know without actually ...
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| Cymbidium Orchid Flowering | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I bought a cymbidium with 3 flowering spikes at end of Feb. The spike is turning yellow & the ...
A: Donna, you can cut the spike where it emerges at any time once the flowers are done. Cymbidiumds ...
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| Organic fertilizer | 5/27/2009 |
Q: It is said that there is harmful effect in environment if using chemical fertilizer for the long ...
A: Quy, I appreciate your concern for the environment. Most environmental harm comes from widespread ...
|
| white phalaenopsis - not blooming | 5/22/2009 |
Q: A white phalaenopsis which has bloomed with a large cane and many flowers for 4 years has'nt even ...
A: Pamela, it is likely that your plant needs to be repotted. This should be done each year after ...
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| I don't know what kind of orchid I have | 5/22/2009 |
Q: I got this orchid from a friend. It was a bulb. I planted it in a pot and it started growing in ...
A: Patty, it looks like the bulb you planted may have been a tuber and not a pseudobulb. In general, ...
|
| Phalaenopsis repotting with bad root | 5/22/2009 |
Q: The florist who take charge of my office's flowers gave to me an orchid he was about to throw ...
A: Andrea, good for you for wanting to rescue this plant. Normally, orchid plants should be repotted ...
|
| Repotting my Orchid | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I bought a Phalaenopsis Orchid from Hawaii and it came in a small bag ready to be re potted. (There ...
A: Pang, the answer to your question depends upon the nature of the Walmart potting mix. My preference ...
|
| Phal losing new blossoms | 5/20/2009 |
Q: I am worried my Phal orchid is dying. I bought it about six weeks ago. It had six open blossoms and ...
A: Cara, it is likely that your plant was in flower for some time before you bought it and those ...
|
| Black Champion Cymbidium | 5/19/2009 |
Q: Do you know anything about these? I would like to buy one but cant seem to find it. Also I was ...
A: Tara, it truly is a dark cymbidium. However, there is no cymbidium registered with the Royal ...
|
| Phal keiki | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I was all excited when my phal started growing a keiki. It grew three leaves (now 1-2 inches) but ...
A: Teri, it is not unusual for the distal part of the flower spike to turn brown. It also is not ...
|
| phanelopsis | 5/19/2009 |
Q: How can the phanelopsis bloom again after the flowers?does it bloom once a year?
A: Marites, most phalaenopsis bloom once per year-- usually in the late winter or spring. If it had ...
|
| Ailing Phalaenopsis: first leaf rot from store, now bad root rot | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I have an ailing Phal, that up until a month ago seemed to have been thriving and very healthy. ...
A: Vivian, I owe you a bit more of an explanation which may be helpful. The orvhid root consists ...
|
| Strange/Beautiful Scented | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I have no idea what my orchid is ... it's on bark and blooms about once a year and it looks like a ...
A: Please send the other pictures. It looks like a Brassavola species. They like it warm, bright, ...
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| Ailing Phalaenopsis: first leaf rot from store, now bad root rot | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I have an ailing Phal, that up until a month ago seemed to have been thriving and very healthy. ...
A: Based upon the picture, I think your plant has a good chance for survival. You were right to get the ...
|
| Dendrobium Orchid | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I acquired a dendrobium orchid some months ago. Since then i have repotted it and it sent out two ...
A: Rita, as a rule of thumb, it is best to repot a plant only after flowering. When a plant is ...
|
| have no clue what this is -- orchid? | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I have had this for two years and never really knew what type of orchid or even is an orchid? It has ...
A: Geoffrey, it appears to be a masdevallia orchid. Both the flower form and the leaves conform to the ...
|
| Putting Cymbidium outside. | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I want to place my plant outside but the tab states not to get wet.
A: Minnie, as long as your plant has recently been potted in a properly draining orchid potting mix, ...
|
| wilting orchid flower stem | 5/11/2009 |
Q: that I bought a year ago in bloom, sitting on opposite ends of my kitchen sink, at the edges of a ...
A: Carina, some phalaenopsis hybrids are genetically predisposed to have the old flower spike die back. ...
|
| Orchid still struggling | 5/10/2009 |
Q: Wayne -- I e-mailed you a couple of months ago regarding an orchid I inherited from a friend. It ...
A: Nothing to be embarrassed about-- I've seen plants in worse shape. Try to find a very deep plastic ...
|
| orchid potting | 5/10/2009 |
Q: We received an orchid as a get well gift. Never had one before. From looking online, it is white ...
A: It's okay to leave it as is for now. It seems to be doing very well. I recommend that you remove ...
|
| Orchid still struggling | 5/9/2009 |
Q: Wayne -- I e-mailed you a couple of months ago regarding an orchid I inherited from a friend. It ...
A: Good to hear from you again. I understand the "mothering" instinct and have tried to save many ...
|
| orchid potting | 5/9/2009 |
Q: We received an orchid as a get well gift. Never had one before. From looking online, it is white ...
A: Cathie, you, undoubtedly, have a phalaenopsis orchid. It should be repotted after it finishes ...
|
| milt. andrea west #2 | 5/6/2009 |
Q: I wrote you a couple of weeks ago about my plant and how it was blooming. I am sending pictures to ...
A: Debbie, I have seen and experienced this on many occassions. Usually, the emerging flower spike is ...
|
| spikes on phaleanopsis | 5/5/2009 |
Q: My year old phaleo has had five beautiful blossoms for months. Now it has several spikes, which at ...
A: Denny, flower spikes are photropic (ie they grow toward the light source) whereas roots are more ...
|
| regarding Phalaenopsis plants | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I just bought a Phalaenopsis, but I heard they were hard to take care of. What are the importants ...
A: Jenn, orchids do take a special potting mix which often contains fir bark and other ingredients to ...
|
| oncidium orchid | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I purchased a gorgeous oncidium (dancing lady orchid) last February totally in bloom. After the ...
A: Catherine, it appears that your plant is potted in a tree fern orchid potting mix. In my ...
|
| orchid roots | 4/29/2009 |
Q: each time my orchid begins sprouting a new root, it gets to about one inch and then the tip turns ...
A: Orchid roots for potted plants are of two general types: those that grow in the potting mix and ...
|
| Phalenopsis sprout? | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I saw a previous question, and have had many "air roots", however, there is what I'll call a sprout? ...
A: I'm guessing that it is a flower spike and the leaf at the end is the start of a keiki (ie a ...
|
| Orchid roots growing in the middle of the stem | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have had this orchid for a little over a year now. I bought while it was in bloom and it appeared ...
A: Alex, old orchid flower spikes that remain green contain meristemmatic tissue at each node (ie ...
|
| Phalaenopsis Orchid Cutting?? | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I am a new orchid owner, and I bought this Orchid about 8 mo's ago. After researching via internet, ...
A: Sabrina, the information you have is correct but doesn't go far enough. Phalaenopsis flower spikes ...
|
| Phalaenopsis | 4/27/2009 |
Q: My plant is still in it's 6 inch pot. It's 2 yrs old. And is in bloom. When I watered it this morn I ...
A: Helen, phals produce two types of roots including aerial roots. In the tropical regions where they ...
|
| Paph with yellowing then browning on lower leaves | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a paph of some sort from Trader Joe's. I brought it home and put it above my ...
A: My first thought is whether or nor the potting mix needs to be replaced. This can be checked by ...
|
| Phalaenopsis Orchid | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I over watered my phalaenopsis orchid (sitting for at least a day or two) and emptied all the water ...
A: Alycia, I would not cut off any roots unless there are some that have collapsed. If they are still ...
|
| phalaenopsis leaf damage | 4/23/2009 |
Q: my beautiful Phalaenopsis was hit in a boisterous game the kids played and fell off a table. Pot ...
A: Helen, you didn't mention how many leaves were on the plant, but, if you have at least three ...
|
| repotting moth orchid | 4/23/2009 |
Q: First, I must say thank you so much for answering all my previous questions so throughly. I am ...
A: You're welcome Amanda. As for repottig supplies, you can order from a website ...
|
| Transplanting Cymbidiums | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I have 5 beautiful cymbidiums and I am transplanting them. But one of them has white spore-like ...
A: Mary Lou, thanks for your question. It is unlikely that "spore-like spots" are hard water spots. ...
|
| my orchid | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I have an orchid and I don't know how to save it. It's leaves are still green but the leaves are ...
A: Dawn, I think that the cause of the leaf wrinking is root rot. Over time, an orchid potting mix ...
|
| Phal reblooming with withered leaves | 4/16/2009 |
Q: I have one phal and I am not very familiar with caring for orchids. I have lived in Chicago my ...
A: Renae, thank you for a good description of your situation and concerns. As I understand it, your ...
|
| Orchid prunning and/or transplanting | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I have some orchids, white and sometimes pink, other smaller varieties, do not know names. The ...
A: Maria, it would be helpful to know the types of orchids you have. The "Stocks" on dendrobiums are, ...
|
| White stuff on leaves | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I am writing to you given that I have found some white stuff on all my orchids which I am not sure ...
A: Angelo, the photos are not real distinct. Now that you have cleaned the leaves, you will be able to ...
|
| Phal orchid | 4/15/2009 |
Q: Should the bud shoot be cut off after the flowers fall off. I did not cut off last year's shoot and ...
A: Laura, you can cut the flower spike off just above the second or third node (ie joint) on the old ...
|
| about a cattleya | 4/14/2009 |
Q: my plant is 4 years old a flower bud started and tried up there seam to be several would be places ...
A: Barbara, most cattleyas bloom from the location where the leaf joins the pseudobulb. Usually there ...
|
| Phalaenopsis Orchids | 4/14/2009 |
Q: I'm a complete newb when it comes to flowers and I recently recieved an orchid for my birthday. My ...
A: Christiana, you have a way with words. It's clear that you have done some reading about the care of ...
|
| new bloom | 4/13/2009 |
Q: I have a milt. andrea orchid that I have had since Sept. It has a new bloom but the stem holding ...
A: Debbie, thanks for your question. Miltoniopsis (ie Pansy Orchid) orchid flowers are very delicate ...
|
| phal with rotten roots | 4/13/2009 |
Q: My phal's roots are all rotten, perhaps because of overwatering. Anyway, there's hardly any healthy ...
A: Emily, thanks for the question. Hopefully you have used a fir bark based orchid potting mix and ...
|
| my dendrobium | 4/13/2009 |
Q: I got my orchid for my birthday on Jan. 5. She was 2 feet with 5 blooms and one on the way. When I ...
A: Rachel, the orchid in question appears to be a phalaenopsis. Phalaenopsis orchids are among the ...
|
| new stems on orchids | 4/12/2009 |
Q: how do I get new stems to grow on my Phalaenopsis orchids? I have one on which the stem appears to ...
A: Palmier, Phalaenopsis flower spikes appear but once per year. When flowering has finished, the old ...
|
| cymbidium orchid | 4/12/2009 |
Q: it had 3 stems with flowers on it but they have all dropped off and the stems are going brown,looks ...
A: Karen, when the flowers fall from the cymbidium flower spike, you can cut the old spike off near the ...
|
| moth orchids best soil mix | 4/11/2009 |
Q: I have two moth orchids,one planted in a bark and I just purchased a new one that is planted in a ...
A: You should use a commercial orchid potting mix that contains some fir bark. Most places that carry ...
|
| Cym Orchid | 4/11/2009 |
Q: I have had my cym orchid for two years. It bloomed last year and the shoot is starting to form pods ...
A: Laura, thanks for your photo-- it clears up everything. Your plant is, in fact, not a cymbidium ...
|
| Cym Orchid | 4/10/2009 |
Q: I have had my cym orchid for two years. It bloomed last year and the shoot is starting to form pods ...
A: Laura, your description leaves me puzzled. It would be nice to have a picture. The only new growths ...
|
| orchid serial killer | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I am writing because I consistantly kill orchids, and am not sure why. i do not over water, keep ...
A: Lindsay, it sounds as if you are not actually kiiling the plant but are experiencing bud drop. ...
|
| Orchids | 3/20/2009 |
Q: My orchid has these small black flies. I bought it in a plastic bag without much soil so I put it in ...
A: Cecelia, I think your hypothesis is correct. I recommend that you locate a garden center that ...
|
| Hybrid Orchid phaleanopsis | 3/19/2009 |
Q: Should I use any particular pot and soil to be successful in reporting?
A: Gaybrielle, I recommend a plastic pot of sufficient size to accomodate the root mass and plenty of ...
|
| dendrobium orchid not blooming | 3/16/2009 |
Q: i received a dendrobium as a gift december 2007. at the time it was in full bloom. once the blooms ...
A: Allison, some types of phalaenopsis dendrobiums bloom on old growth, some just on new growth. Let's ...
|
| Phal orchids | 3/16/2009 |
Q: I have two Phal orchids which I love and both of them seem to have bud blast. I am not sure what I ...
A: Let me address your last comment first. Your orchid potting mix should be balanced, meaning it ...
|
| Orchids | 3/15/2009 |
Q: Recently, I have become enamored with orchids and have decided to purchase one. But before doing so, ...
A: Tiffany, the "zone" is basically for plants to be grown outside. While orchids can be grown outside ...
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| orchid | 3/15/2009 |
Q: I received an orchid about a year ago. After it finished flowering, I trimmed the stem almost at ...
A: Claire, I would not give up on the plant. Since you repotted it, you may have noticed that the roots ...
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| Orchids | 3/15/2009 |
Q: Recently, I have become enamored with orchids and have decided to purchase one. But before doing so, ...
A: Tiffany, it doesn't matter that you live in Alaska, you can still grow orchids well indoors. Orchids ...
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| Orchids | 3/14/2009 |
Q: ! My favorite flowers are orchids,I have 3 so far,but one of them is blooming but the leaves are ...
A: The reason the leaves are wilting is likely root rot. You may be watering it too much for the ...
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| dendrobium orchid not blooming | 3/14/2009 |
Q: i received a dendrobium as a gift december 2007. at the time it was in full bloom. once the blooms ...
A: Allison, most types of dendrobiums, when not in active growth, should have little or no water. ...
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| watering | 3/12/2009 |
Q: This may be a sacrilegious question, but I have had great success with those glass watering globes ...
A: Suzi, I would try it before commiting to it. The concern I would have is that orchid potting mix is ...
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| phalaenopsis leaf | 3/10/2009 |
Q: Should I throw away two green phalaenopsis leaves that fell off the plant when it was moved or are ...
A: Ann, it would be an entirely new plant with roots and leaves. It will have the same genetic ...
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| phalaenopsis leaf | 3/10/2009 |
Q: Should I throw away two green phalaenopsis leaves that fell off the plant when it was moved or are ...
A: Ann, that presence of good roots is a positive sign. If you have not repotted it in fresh orchid ...
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| phalaenopsis leaf | 3/10/2009 |
Q: Should I throw away two green phalaenopsis leaves that fell off the plant when it was moved or are ...
A: Ann. if you are asking if you can generate a new plant from the leaves as in african violets or ...
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| orchid type unknown | 3/8/2009 |
Q: My sister sent me a orchid when I had a hip replacement and it was beautiful. The plant was almost ...
A: Jim, from your description I'm going to assume that you have either a phalaenopsis or a dendrobium ...
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| Is it too late for my orchid? | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a Phalaenopsis Orchid for the first time. I placed it in an east facing window ...
A: Genny, orchids need to be in pots with lots of drainage holes and should be watered only once per ...
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| Catalaya P. | 3/7/2009 |
Q: SO I watered it a little bit before it's regular watering time approximately 3 days after the ...
A: Ebru, in your comments, you did not mention the pseudobulbs. All cattleyas have these and they ...
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| what should i do? | 3/7/2009 |
Q: How should I help my orchid? Should I put it in a regular pot with what it came in? Do I put some ...
A: Judy, there is a special orchid potting mix that should be available at any garden center that sells ...
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| my orchids leaves turned yellow | 3/6/2009 |
Q: I just bought my orchid and the le aves t urned yellow with like two black spots on it. What have I ...
A: Judy, I recommend that you return the orchid for a refund. If you recently purchased it, the ...
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| born again orchid now dying | 3/5/2009 |
Q: We have an orchid that has been in the family for 7 years now. When we first got it it was full with ...
A: Rebecca, it sounds as if your plant has a root problem. It should be freshly repotted in a plastic ...
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| Spots on cymbidium blossoms | 3/5/2009 |
Q: These brown spots are all over the blossoms but are like stains, not raised or able to be wiped off ...
A: Sena, it is likely that it is a fungus called botyritis caused by the flowers getting wet and then ...
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| Artificial Light | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Wayne - I have been growing orchids under fluorescent lights and 40-50% humidity for a number of ...
A: Jim, the "Yearbook of Agriculture", U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1973 shows the following for 2 ...
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| Identifying Orchid | 3/4/2009 |
Q: This is a species I purchased from an orchid show about 5 years ago from a South American vendor. It ...
A: Mary, thanks for your puzzler. Do you know if this species is native to South America? That would ...
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| Flowering | 3/3/2009 |
Q: A couple things I'm wondering... 1st one of the flowers on my moth orchid are wilting, do I trim ...
A: Lauren, no need to trim after each flower. Most of the time, the wilted flowers will just fall ...
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| orchids | 3/3/2009 |
Q: about three weeks. They have not opened and one of the buds fell off the other day. I feed it ...
A: Jane, it takes quite a while for cymbidium buds to open. The fact that you had only three buds ...
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| Names | 3/3/2009 |
Q: my name is Peggy Ruth Carpenter, and being an expert on Orchids I was wondering (hoping) if you ...
A: Peggy, Beallara Peggy Ruth Carpenter was registered to Everglades Orchids in Belle Glade, Florida. ...
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| Trying to save a hand-me-down orchid | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I would love any advice you could give me on how to salvage an orchid I was given from a friend who ...
A: Michelle, I will assume that you have a phalaenopsis or moth orchid-- which are the most common type ...
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| blossoms withering | 2/28/2009 |
Q: i have a small orchid for about 5 weeks and the blossems seem to be withering petals folding ...
A: Joan, the average lifespan for an orchid flower is about a month (some types last only a day and ...
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| Artificial Light | 2/27/2009 |
Q: Wayne - I have been growing orchids under fluorescent lights and 40-50% humidity for a number of ...
A: Jim, thanks for your question. Phalaenopsis should have 1,000-1,500 foot candles of light. The ...
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| Vanda - leaves fell off | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I have Vanda which was doing well, but it has not lost all its leaves; the leaves turned yellow, ...
A: Angelo, just a reminder to go easy on the watering until new growth appears at the base of the old ...
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| Vanda - leaves fell off | 2/24/2009 |
Q: I have Vanda which was doing well, but it has not lost all its leaves; the leaves turned yellow, ...
A: If the "vanda" had fairly thin leaves, you don't have a vanda but a deciduous dendrobium. This ...
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| watering? | 2/24/2009 |
Q: my name is Christina, I live in Maine and own 2 Phals. I got the first one in july and undoubtly ...
A: Christina, as soon as your last flowers drop you need to repot your plant in a fresh orchid potting ...
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| Hit by freeze | 2/19/2009 |
Q: I live in central Florida and we had a freeze and I am afraid 2 of my orchids got hit as I forgot to ...
A: Marilyn, you will likely lose the leaves, but recovery will be dependent upon whether or not the ...
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| potting mix | 2/19/2009 |
Q: What potting mix do you recommend when it comes time to repot my small phalinopsis? Thanks again for ...
A: Nancy, the two most commonly available commercial potting mixes (found at Home Depot and Lowes) is ...
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| phalaenopsis repotting | 2/18/2009 |
Q: How do I go about repotting my phalaenopsis? I've had it about two years and it has bloomed well but ...
A: Mitchell, thanks for your question. When you repot, use a commercially available orchid potting ...
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| Dendrochilum wenzelli | 2/18/2009 |
Q: Just a quick question on my Dendrochilum wenzelli. I got it from a show just a couple days ago and ...
A: Gina, Dendrochilum wenzlii is an intermediate grower. Your conditions sound appropriate for the ...
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| How to propagation my orchid | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I have several Phalaenopsis. I want propagation my plant for fun. Please tell me what should I do. ...
A: Hong, the simplest way to propagate phalaenopsis orchids is to produce Keikis from nodes of a flower ...
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| help my orchid | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I received an orchid from home depot in the summer. I am not sure but I think it is a Phaleonopsis. ...
A: Paula, there is a place you should get to know. It is Oak Hill Gardens in West Dundee. Their ...
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| help my orchid | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I received an orchid from home depot in the summer. I am not sure but I think it is a Phaleonopsis. ...
A: Paula, your plant defintely needs repotting as it has root rot. Most of the plants I have purchased ...
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| leaves | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I was just given my 1st orchid for valentines day. Before i begin to feed and water it i want to ...
A: Lauren, what you do is very dependent upon the type of orchid you have. The most common type is the ...
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| Sick Orchid | 2/16/2009 |
Q: Wayne, One of my cattleya has gotten sick and I need your help in diagnosing the problem. This ...
A: I will make some assumptions here which you can evaluate. First, if you don't realize it (and I ...
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| Valentine Orchid | 2/15/2009 |
Q: I got a beautiful arrangement of orchids on Valentine's day. I'm sorry to say that I do not know ...
A: Annie, it would be nice to be able to grow orchids from cuttings but, unfortunately, they are so ...
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| pansy orchid | 2/15/2009 |
Q: I have had a "pansy" orchid for about 1 year now. I just noticed what looks like a new flower spike ...
A: Krissi, it is possible that if there are minute buds remaining below the break, these could produce ...
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| Miltonia flower stems | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I have several Miltonia orchids and they have bloomed fine in the past. This winter, 2 have bloomed ...
A: Lois, the lower light levels could be responsible for the shorter flower spikes. You might ...
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| Bloom Booster | 2/13/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I had written to you last week regarding some of my phals not blooming yet although 2 of them ...
A: Good to hear from you again Angelo. I would substitute the bloom booster for your regular ...
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| Brown circle dots on leaves | 2/12/2009 |
Q: I have one Orchid at this time. Try to see if I can keep it alive before buying many more. I have ...
A: Carol, let's see if we can rule out (or in) the possibilty that these brown spots are the brown ...
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| orchid leaves very dark green and reddish | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I separated a pot that had two phal orchids growing together, I used a knife to separate the area ...
A: Jody, if your question is to know why the leaves are dark green with some reddish. Nothing you have ...
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| Am I doing it correctly (pollinating) | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I'm not sure what kind of orchids I have - 2 kinds, one with'flat' flowers and strong perfume, 2 ...
A: Gill, please be aware that if you are successful in producing a pod, there will be a 4-9 month ...
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| how to start to grow orchids | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I have a wedding in September 2009 and as a wedding favors i would like to give little planted ...
A: Inna, growing orchids from seed is definitely out due to the time and degree of knowledge required. ...
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| non blooming phaleanopsis | 2/7/2009 |
Q: I've had this phaleanopsis for over 2 years. When I first received it the plant was in full bloom. ...
A: Barbara, when the old flower spike turns woody and brown it is dead (normal for some phalaenopsis ...
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| Phal - No spikes | 2/6/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I have several Phals which are very healthy, but only 2 of them have produced spikes this ...
A: We've enjoyed the Air Museum at Wright Patterson in Dayton. Would would like to get back there some ...
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| Phal - No spikes | 2/6/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I have several Phals which are very healthy, but only 2 of them have produced spikes this ...
A: I can't recall if you told me the temperature range in your garage. I know you have had some pretty ...
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| pot size | 2/4/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a small phalinopsis in a pot about 2 inches wide and 3 inches tall . The flowers ...
A: You're welcome Nancy. With regard to repotting your phalaenopsis, if, upon unpotting, all of the ...
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| need help!! | 1/21/2009 |
Q: i live in WV and its janaury right now. in july i got an orchid that had already bloomed. well the ...
A: Samantha, thanks for your question. My wife is a native West Virginian (near Logan) and we travel ...
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| orchids | 1/20/2009 |
Q: I have two questions. First, I've one of my orchids is growing several leafs at the top of the ...
A: Sarah, I will assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid, otherwise called, a moth orchid. With ...
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| Got Burnt | 1/20/2009 |
Q: I have an Moth orchid and it has been doing very well in my dorm room window but one day it was very ...
A: Dru, you may cut the burned leaf below the burn spot. Probably best to use a clean razor blade, ...
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| Is my Orchid having a baby? | 1/19/2009 |
Q: knowing nothing about Orchids we put ours in the bathroom where it seems happy. It is just now ...
A: Al, the thing to do following a flowering cycle is to repot the plant in fresh orchid potting mix. ...
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| Phal - Leave discoloration, spot | 1/16/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I have several phals; one of them has a leave which I noticed is discolored, it also has a ...
A: Angelo, the pictures are a little fuzzy but I note an area on the leaf which has been eroded away ...
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| BLOOMS DYING | 1/16/2009 |
Q: What could cause the blooms to die as they open up. I have 5 stems of blooms, and as they begin to ...
A: Bruce, there are three main causes for bud abortion: 1) dry atmosphere; 2) temperature, 3) poor root ...
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| What type of orchid is it? | 1/15/2009 |
Q: Good day, I received an orchid from my mother. She was tired of defending it against her cat and so ...
A: Kat, if you can send a picture that would be helpful. My guess, based upon your description, is ...
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| Repotting a baby orchid. | 1/14/2009 |
Q: About a year ago I bought a Dtps. Taisuco Candystripe x Phal amabilis and 2 weeks later the buds ...
A: Tiffany, it sounds like the roots are long enough. If the leaves on this keiki are at least two ...
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| Phali's and how to repot or something | 1/14/2009 |
Q: I have been growing Phalis now for almost two years, I have one of my first ones that now has four ...
A: Kristine, I suggest that you stake your flower spike if you haven't already done so. Use a bamboo ...
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| Re-potting orchid | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I was wondering when is a good time to repot my orchid which has out grown it's orginal small pot. ...
A: Judy, since you didn't mention the type of orchid you have, I'm going to assume that it is a ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 1/5/2009 |
Q: I have a mature phalaenopsis that has produced unbelievable multistemmed flower spikes for years. I ...
A: Lisa, I would have recomended that you do what you did. With that many new roots getting started on ...
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| Broken Phalaenopsis flower stem | 1/5/2009 |
Q: I received my first orchid last spring. After it had finished blooming, I cut the stem down. A ...
A: Cyndy, if there is a node (ie joint) below the location of the break in the flower spike, it is ...
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| Phal and its spikes growing sideways | 1/2/2009 |
Q: Wayne, I have several Phals which had grown sideways when I bought them although its spike was nice ...
A: Angelo, you may be able to slip the spike to one side of the leaf and anchor it to a bamboo stake so ...
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| phalaenopsis keiki propagation | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I have 1 keiki growing on a healthy phalan. plant. It has only 1 root about 4 inches long and 2 ...
A: Catherine, I prefer to wait until the leaves are at least 3 inches long before separating the keiki ...
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| orchid propagation | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I have recently heard something about orchid propagation called meristem. Can you provide more ...
A: Nancy, the ease of meristemming will depend, in part, on whether or not you have experience in ...
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| Phalaenopsis reflowering | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I was given a phalaenopsis orchid on November 19th as a birthday present. The plant was already in ...
A: Isabelle, the flower spikes on some types of phalaenopsis turn brown and die back. It is possible, ...
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| Phalaenopisis orchid problems | 1/1/2009 |
Q: Having scanned through past answers and learnt heaps already from the questions/answers, I realise ...
A: Alison, you should trim back your flower spike with a cut just above a node (ie joint) in the flower ...
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| Cymbidium leaves are turning yellowish, discoloring | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I have a couple of Cymbidiums whose leaves seem to be turning yellowish and discoloring. Some ...
A: Angelo, Cygon 2E is certainly effective but be careful handling this stuff. I know that I had some ...
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| Cymbidium leaves are turning yellowish, discoloring | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I have a couple of Cymbidiums whose leaves seem to be turning yellowish and discoloring. Some ...
A: I haven't checked at Home Depot recently, but there are three products that I use. Bonide markets ...
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| Vanda | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I have a vanda which has a stem with a yellow leave, it also has white spots on the leaves ...
A: Angelo, unfortunately, there must have been a mix up on tags. Your plant is not a vanda. It may be ...
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| Phal and its spikes growing sideways | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I have several Phals which had grown sideways when I bought them although its spike was nice ...
A: Angelo, phalaenopsis flower spikes are phototropic and grow toward the light. If the light is ...
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| Cymbidium leaves are turning yellowish, discoloring | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I have a couple of Cymbidiums whose leaves seem to be turning yellowish and discoloring. Some ...
A: Angelo, thanks for the detailed photos. They are very helpful in diagnosing the reason for your ...
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| Phals exposed to cold temperature | 12/29/2008 |
Q: Last week, I came back home from university and brought my phals back with me, and I had to walk in ...
A: Janice, thank you for the picture. In the photo I see two leaves with problems. I would cut off ...
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| Phals exposed to cold temperature | 12/27/2008 |
Q: Last week, I came back home from university and brought my phals back with me, and I had to walk in ...
A: Janice, whether or not the plant suffered frost is largely a function of whether or not it was ...
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| yellowing | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis orchid that grew a second stem. The second stem also grew a branch and both ...
A: Alison, thanks for your question. It is possible that the sudden change in temperature had some ...
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| phalaenopsis Orchid leaves suddenly wilting and dying | 12/8/2008 |
Q: My orchid is 'in intensive care' right now and I am hoping you can help me work out what is wrong ...
A: You're welcome Katie. It is likely that the air roots are responsible for survival of your plant. ...
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| Phalaenopsis - Reflowering on same stem | 12/7/2008 |
Q: My wife and I received a couple of phalaenopsis orchids as gifts when we moved into our new home in ...
A: Nick, thanks for your questions. It is not unusual for a phalaenopsis to reflower on the same ...
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| Stems and Flower | 12/5/2008 |
Q: I have had my orchid for close to a year now, it almost died about a month after I got it, I was ...
A: Sounds as if the keiki has not matured enough for separation. When it gets large enough you should ...
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| Stems and Flower | 12/5/2008 |
Q: I have had my orchid for close to a year now, it almost died about a month after I got it, I was ...
A: Cailee, I assume you have a phalaenopsis or moth orchid, but that is a guess. You need to repot ...
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| phalaenopsis Orchid leaves suddenly wilting and dying | 12/3/2008 |
Q: My orchid is 'in intensive care' right now and I am hoping you can help me work out what is wrong ...
A: Katie, thank you for your question. The issue with your plants is one of the most common ones that I ...
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| orchids | 12/3/2008 |
Q: I purchase my live beautifully colored orchids downtown Los Angeles at the flower shops and mart. ...
A: I assume that you have cut flowers and not actual orchid plants. Usually, those in vials have a ...
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| Vandas dropping first (oldest) leaves | 12/1/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I have a large Vanda colection, basically all going well untill suddenly a good portion of my ...
A: Jurg, it is not unusual for orchids, including orchids of the vandaceous alliance, to lose older ...
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| dying leaves on phaelo | 12/1/2008 |
Q: is the plant dying? can I save it?
A: Denny, dying leaves are a symptom of root rot. Obtain some orchid potting mix at your garden center ...
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| new shooting star black gold | 11/29/2008 |
Q: I just received my first orchid as a birthday gift. The tag says shooting star black gold, but there ...
A: Teresa, the proper name of your plant is likely Brassidium Shooting Star 'Black Gold'. The name ...
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| Repotting/rotted roots | 11/25/2008 |
Q: I received a moth orchid about two months ago in full bloom. About three or four weeks ago I noticed ...
A: Caroline, the orchid poting mix only needs to soaked for an hour or less, though it does no harm to ...
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| beginner | 11/24/2008 |
Q: My 11 y.o. daughter loves the Orchids at Longwood Gardens and is asking for one for Christmas. What ...
A: Very good questions Sharon. I recommend that you get her a phalaenopsis orchid and one that is in ...
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| Moth orchid(phalaenopsis) | 11/24/2008 |
Q: My wife was given the orchid as a gift and it has since flowered. It said on the instructions that ...
A: Russell, it is likely that the whitish spikes are new roots. You should locate a source of orchid ...
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| roots | 11/24/2008 |
Q: I have what appears to be three individual root masses coming out up on the main plant. Is it ...
A: Jane, thanks for the clarification. I don't recall what type of orchid you have. It sounds as if ...
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| brassia orchids | 11/23/2008 |
Q: what do I do care for the plant when it is done blooming and the flowers have dropped. This is my ...
A: Gaby, it needs very little care just after flowering. You can water lightly until you see new ...
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| roots | 11/23/2008 |
Q: I have what appears to be three individual root masses coming out up on the main plant. Is it ...
A: There is a good chance that they are aerial roots. These plants, in nature, have their plants ...
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| roots | 11/23/2008 |
Q: I have what appears to be three individual root masses coming out up on the main plant. Is it ...
A: I would determine whether those root masses are from the main plant. You may have to unpot and ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 11/23/2008 |
Q: I cut the stem, leaving about 1 inch, after the bloom died. a couple of months later, the leaves ...
A: Flo, you need to repot your plant in fresh orchid potting mix. First, obtain a bag of fir bark-based ...
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| orchid fungus? | 11/23/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid garden with about 8 plants that I have been growing for a few years now. They all ...
A: Meredith, I suspect that you have an infection of the scale insect. The wet spots are plant sap ...
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| Orchids | 11/22/2008 |
Q: Have recently been given twenty different orchids from my Aunts that belonged to one that passed ...
A: Cyndi, that is quite a predicament you have. Let's start with tags. If there are any tags in the ...
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| phalaenopsis trouble in the caribbean | 11/20/2008 |
Q: I have two different phals one the label says it a Spotted deer the other says sun beauty. The ...
A: Ramona, here are several potential causes for the condition of your phalaenopsis: Exposure to the ...
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| My 1st Orchid | 11/19/2008 |
Q: My husband gave me my very 1st Orchid for our 1st wedding aniversary and a haven't a clue how to ...
A: Amber, flower spikes on phalaenopsis orchids are either the type that turns brown and dies back or ...
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| how to care for my orchid | 11/18/2008 |
Q: I hope you can give me some advice in how to care for my beautiful orchid. I was given an orchid ...
A: There is a close relationship between the nature of the potting mix and watering. Often, newly ...
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| phal flower stem branching at bud sites | 11/13/2008 |
Q: My 10 year old phalanopsis, which has bloomed faithfully in my house for the last 10 years is ...
A: Vivian, I suspect that your phalaenopsis has higher light levels in your greenhouse and is ...
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| mealy bugs on orchids | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I've brought my orchids that summered outside into the house and now I spot mealy bugs around the ...
A: Corinne, the use of a systemic by-passes the need to treat the entire growing environment of the ...
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| mealy bugs on orchids | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I've brought my orchids that summered outside into the house and now I spot mealy bugs around the ...
A: Corrine, I recommend a systemic insecticide such as Bayer Advanced Formula. First, soak a Q-tip in ...
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| Oncidium Orchids | 11/12/2008 |
Q: I have some oncidium orchids which I have not been able to get to bloom. I've had them for ...
A: Cheryl, OTT=Lite is a brand name. They are high eficiency lights manufactured to allow the true ...
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| Oncidium Orchids | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I have some oncidium orchids which I have not been able to get to bloom. I've had them for ...
A: Cheryl, you were correct in thinking that your oncidiums need more light. I have a couple at the ...
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| Two colors flowers one plant | 11/11/2008 |
Q: What kind of orchid is this? I have had this about a year and a half and the flowers have always ...
A: Jennifer, this is a dendrobium orchid and, more specifically, a dendrobium-- phalaenopsis type. ...
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| Care of bought Orchids | 11/10/2008 |
Q: Each stem is in a solution in a small phial. Do I keep them in this or remove them and put in water. ...
A: Vivienne, I assume that what you received were flower stems (sometimes called "spikes")and not ...
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| watering | 11/9/2008 |
Q: This is probably a dumb question, but please don't think it is. My husband decided to water my ...
A: Katie, there are no dumb questions. It is unfortunate that some of us learned to keep our mouth shut ...
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| Roots-New plant? | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I bought a Phalaenopsis at Home Depot about 2 months ago. I have been watering once a week but then ...
A: Roots and leaves of orchids contain no meristemmatic tiss ue and, therfore, they cannot be used to ...
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| Growing dendrobium from a seed pod | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I have a dendrobium plant that has developed a seed pod and would be interested in attempting to ...
A: The topic you inquired about is too involved to provide the entire set of procedures here. However, ...
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| Rotted roots | 11/6/2008 |
Q: I bought a Phalaenopsis at Home Depot about 2 months ago. I have been watering once a week but then ...
A: Jake, first let me congratulate you on the action you took. I have had plants bloom or produce ...
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| help | 10/27/2008 |
Q: my orchid stem is going black what should i do and how do i find out what type it is?
A: Kelly, the most commonly found pot orchid at commercial retail outlets is the phalaenopsis (aka ...
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| droopy leaves on phalaenopsis | 10/24/2008 |
Q: My phalenopsis orchids are doing much better since I stopped watering so much. The new leaves are ...
A: Marilyn, the droopy leaaves will not recover because the roots serving them are likely dead-- you ...
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| Orchid, black bugs on shoots, flowers | 10/24/2008 |
Q: I have 20-30 orchids. Lately every time I a shoot (right term? stem?) develops it becomes covered ...
A: Christopher, phalaenopsis can be repotted most anytime because they don't have a rest period as ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 10/23/2008 |
Q: two years ago I recieved a phalaenopsis for Mothers Day. It was blooming and had two thick leaves. ...
A: Barbara, if your plant's leaves are a dark green in color, it is not getting sufficient light for ...
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| rotting new flower stem before blooming | 10/23/2008 |
Q: I have a phalenopsis that was outside all summer in bright shade where it thrived, producing 2 new ...
A: Leigh, Phalaenopsis do not do well below 15 degrees C and, if the buds were exposed to such ...
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| phaleanopsis | 10/23/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid which has fimished flowering (2 stems). It has healthy leaves and is producing ...
A: Roger, the standard procedure on phalaenopsis orchids is to repot after each flowering. Purchase a ...
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| Orchid, black bugs on shoots, flowers | 10/23/2008 |
Q: I have 20-30 orchids. Lately every time I a shoot (right term? stem?) develops it becomes covered ...
A: Christopher, thank you for your question. My guess is that you haven't repotted in quite a while. ...
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| Orchid id | 10/22/2008 |
Q: Can you help me identify this orchid. I bought it last year at Wal-Mart after it had bloomed with no ...
A: It might be helpful if you can either send a picture of the plant or a description. Does the plant ...
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| Phal. orchid not blooming | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I got a healthy phal. orchid in Mar 07. At the time it had one flower shoot. The flowers died in Jul ...
A: Preeli, yes, this would be a good time to repot. Repotting in a good fir-bark based potting mix ...
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| My first Orchid | 10/17/2008 |
Q: I might be buying a new Orchid soon as I think my first one is dying. I brought the Orchid in full ...
A: Christian, thank you for sharing your concern with me. First thing we need to establish is the type ...
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| air roots? | 10/15/2008 |
Q: My orchid's flower stalk is yellowing but there are two new "air roots". Do I leave those or cut ...
A: Kathi, it is not essential to bury the air roots. Some think they are unsightly or see it as a sign ...
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| air roots? | 10/15/2008 |
Q: My orchid's flower stalk is yellowing but there are two new "air roots". Do I leave those or cut ...
A: Kathi, thanks for your question. First, I'll assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid, which is ...
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| Orchids | 10/13/2008 |
Q: I have a purple orchid which has leaves at the bottom and tall stems where the flowers bloom. It has ...
A: Jessica, from your description, it sounds as if you have a dendrobium orchid. Dendrobiums have canes ...
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| Banrot systemic fungicide | 10/9/2008 |
Q: can this be sprayed on leafs of cats and other orchids My supplier included no instructions on use ...
A: Paula, the American Orchid Society's Handbook on Orchid Pests and Diseases indicates that Banrot is ...
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| Cymbidium | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I received it in full bloom with one spike. When it died I cut it off, just as my instructions told ...
A: Amanda, one thing you said suggests a reason for your plant's decline. You mention a square glass ...
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| My Brsdm. | 10/7/2008 |
Q: I just bought a Brsdm. Golden Gamine 'White Night'. And i was wondering about temp. It's getting ...
A: A west facing window is fine. You can adjust the light level by moving the plant clopser or further ...
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| NEW | 10/7/2008 |
Q: I RCVD A PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID FROM 1800 FLOWERS, BUT THERE IS A PLASTIC COVERING THE ROOTS AND ...
A: Eileen, I recommend that you repot it in a plastic pot with lots of air/drainage holes in the ...
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| repotting a phalaenopsis and a oncidium orchid | 10/7/2008 |
Q: I would be really gratful for your advice. I have two orchids that I would like to re pot but I have ...
A: Good morning Cecily. Both plants should be repotted. The garden centers at both Lowes and Home ...
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| Phal - flowering & repotting of mother & baby? | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I'm an extreme novice to orchid care. I was bought a phal in bloom about two years ago. It has not ...
A: You're welcome Claire. Orchid roots are threadlike and are covered by a thick sheath called the ...
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| Phal - flowering & repotting of mother & baby? | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I'm an extreme novice to orchid care. I was bought a phal in bloom about two years ago. It has not ...
A: Greetings Clair. With regard to flowering, you made the right move to give the plant more light in ...
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| Phalaenopsis Pollination | 10/6/2008 |
Q: removing the pollinia from a Phalaenopsis flower being pollinated with the pollinia from a different ...
A: Luiz, I would not exceed two pods per plant. This is to avoid stressing the plant too much to ...
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| Phalaenopsis New Leaf Growth | 10/5/2008 |
Q: I have moon orchid (or at least that's what I was told it was) whose existing leaves are turning ...
A: Annie, normally I recommend that a plant not be repotted until it finishes flowering. The reason is ...
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| Phalaenopsis New Leaf Growth | 10/4/2008 |
Q: I have moon orchid (or at least that's what I was told it was) whose existing leaves are turning ...
A: Annie, Moon Oorchid is the common name for a phalaenopsis species (phal amabilis). This orchid has ...
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| New Orchid owner please help. | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I have just received an Orchid as a gift. I have never owned an orchid before so I know nothing ...
A: For now, I would just be careful not to overwater it-- no more than once per week. If you have an ...
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| fertilizing moth orchids during blooming | 9/30/2008 |
Q: i have a moth orchid and it had not bloomed in over a year but i was not fertilizing it. i started ...
A: Amanda, unlike some orchids, the phalaenopsis grows year around and can be fed weakly weekly all ...
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| my withered orchid | 9/25/2008 |
Q: i have a phalaenopsis orchid that has been blooming for the past two years and doing great. ...
A: Annie, you are fortnate that your plant has finally stopped blooming. Like all of us a plant has ...
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| Orchid Leaves turning white on one side. | 9/24/2008 |
Q: I bought an orchid (not sure what type. It's a larger plant with white petals which bleed into ...
A: Diana, glad the test came out negative. New growth can be affected more by sharp changes than older ...
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| Cattleya Orchid | 9/22/2008 |
Q: It's me again and I don't mind telling you how much I appreciate you two answering questions, ...
A: Cheryl, you are welcome. Questions are the food that feeds learning. Keep asking. Your plant is ...
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| Orchid foliage | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I am looking for a black orchid with reed-like foliage. Is there such a plant? What is it's common ...
A: Barry, Cymbidiums and Maxillaria have reed like foliage but I'm not aware of any that are close to ...
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| First Orchid Plant in my life | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I just bought an Orchid, but it`s the 1st time I will try to grow it. It`s a pink Phalaenopsis with ...
A: First, congratulations Viktoriya on your first orchid. Temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees C. are on ...
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| Phaleanopsis, black & green mold, repotting with injured roots? | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I fear I'm asking too late & have destroyed my orchid... I have a 2 yr old small Phalean. that has ...
A: Lillian, it is likely that the "green mold" is algae and is harless. It thrives in humid ...
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| Orchid Leaves turning white on one side. | 9/20/2008 |
Q: I bought an orchid (not sure what type. It's a larger plant with white petals which bleed into ...
A: Diana, I don't think the condition you describe would have occurred by damaging an airborn root. My ...
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| replanting | 9/20/2008 |
Q: I need to repot my plant. The one i have is in the middle of what looks like a wood. It is light ...
A: Sarah, I'll assume you have a phalaenopsis orchid. Yes you should repot. You need to locate a ...
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| Leaves on a flower stem | 9/19/2008 |
Q: When the last blooms died on my phal orchid I left the flower spike as it was still green. To my ...
A: Gretchen, a new plant is forming at a node of the old flower spike and is a common occurrence in ...
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| Vanda orchid | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I have had a Vanda orchid for several years and each year it blooms. This year, however, not only ...
A: Susan, it is one of the characteritics of vandaceous orchids to produce new vegetative growths from ...
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| my phalaenopsis is growing again! | 9/19/2008 |
Q: A friend of mine gave me a phalaenopsis as a gift for my wedding..... i watered it once in a week ...
A: Lovy, the simplest way to feed is to use a balanced plant food. A balanced plant food is one that ...
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| is my phalaenopsis orchid dying? | 9/18/2008 |
Q: ok.. so about two weeks ago i received a phalaenopsis orchid from a friend, but lately the flowers ...
A: Bethany, it sounds as if your orchid is Ok. Phalaenopsis flowers last 2-4 weeks and then fall as you ...
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| my phalaenopsis is growing again! | 9/17/2008 |
Q: A friend of mine gave me a phalaenopsis as a gift for my wedding..... i watered it once in a week ...
A: Lovy, glad to hear that your phal is doing well. I recommmend that the first step to take with a ...
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| Orchid Spots | 9/1/2008 |
Q: Some of my phalaenopsis leaves have developed multiple small brown spots. Appreciate your insight ...
A: Janet, one possibility is scale. This is a sucking insect that frequents orchids. Best way to ...
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| orchid | 8/30/2008 |
Q: my phalaenopsis orchid lost all leaves, they started to get mushy wet and die. I took it out of the ...
A: Maria, it sounds as if you have a bacterial rot. It may be too late for the orchid that lost all ...
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| My Orchid | 8/29/2008 |
Q: I think my orchid has died but I'm not totally sure. It is a phalaenopsis orchid which I bought in ...
A: Ceri, it is natural for the flower spike to turn brown after flowering. You did well to cut it off ...
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| Phalaenopsis flowers yellowing and drooping | 8/29/2008 |
Q: I have just purchased my Phalaenopsis, and it's flowers, which were gorgeous upon purchase and had ...
A: Michelle, if you believe the plant was subjected to high temperatures (above 85 degrees) on the way ...
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| orchids | 8/29/2008 |
Q: How and when do I separate orchids in pots in Tasmania as some have dead bulbs in them. one hasn't ...
A: Barb, thank you for your question. While you may not know which type of orchid you have, it sounds ...
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| Orchid Transplanting | 8/28/2008 |
Q: I read the answer you gave Lois about transplanting orchids and have another question. I LOVE the ...
A: Sherrie, your first question concerns potting all of your phalaenopsis into one pot. I assume they ...
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| Oncidium Sharry Baby | 8/28/2008 |
Q: About 3 weeks ago I purchased an oncidium sharry baby. Something that has been bothering me is that ...
A: Korie, unfortunately many of the plants we purchase are in potting mix which has degraded to the ...
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| sick | 8/27/2008 |
Q: i bought an orchid a while back ago and it was doing just fine. i kept it the bathroom(separate from ...
A: Sommer, some phalaenopsis hybrids are genetically prone to have the old flower spike turn brown. ...
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| Phalaenopsis blooming | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I purchased a Phalaenopsis orchid 3 months ago with three blooms and eight buds; over the three ...
A: Leonard, phalaenopsis spikes may branch and produce additional buds and flowers. As long as it is ...
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| vuyl. shady lady | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I bought 2 of these last year at H.Depot...and after the blooms they sat in my east window garden ...
A: Nancy, yes 7-7-7 ia a balanced food. One experienced grower I know alternates several different ...
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| vuyl. shady lady | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I bought 2 of these last year at H.Depot...and after the blooms they sat in my east window garden ...
A: Nancy, wait until after the plant blooms before repotting. Your east window should be fine as it ...
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| Oncidiums and Dendrobium | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I'm curious to know whether spikes will grow and flower more than once in the same place of the ...
A: Cheryl, mature oncidiums have a pair of leaves growing from the base of the pseudobulb in additionto ...
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| Oncidiums and Dendrobium | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I'm curious to know whether spikes will grow and flower more than once in the same place of the ...
A: Cheryl, some dendrobium hybrids may re-flower on old canes but I know of no Oncidiums that will ...
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| orchid regrowth | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Phalenopses orchid flower stem was trimmed down halfway to above knode(per orchid instructions I ...
A: Gina, your plant may look fine but, to be sure, you need to unpot it and check the roots. If any are ...
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| dendrobium phalaenopsis | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I have a dendrobium phalaenopsis and am wondering how to care for it. It is in full flower now and ...
A: Thelma, a dendrobium phalaenopis is a warm growing dendrobium. It can grow outside this summer in a ...
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| orchids | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I have purchase my first orchid. Never raised one. Please tell me about sunlight, (how much?) orchid ...
A: Priscilla, there are many types of orchids with many differences in growing requirements. For now, ...
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| Sunburn Phalaenopsis | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I recently left a bunch of my Phalaenopsis in direct sunlight and several have lost all of their ...
A: Nate, it is possible that the plant will grow new leaves as long as the growing point (ie point fron ...
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| Phalaenopsis Orchid | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I bought a couple of orchids and they bloomed and lasted for about 3 months. The flowers began to ...
A: Irvania, it is natural for the old flower spkes to turn brown and die back. You may cut these off ...
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| phalenopsis spikes | 8/14/2008 |
Q: i have a moth orchid and it has not flowered in almost one year. i think for a while it was not ...
A: Any node is fine. Cut the spike just above the node. It is possible that a new flower spike will ...
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| phalenopsis spikes | 8/14/2008 |
Q: i have a moth orchid and it has not flowered in almost one year. i think for a while it was not ...
A: Amanda, with regard to the old flower spikes, if they have turned brown you may cut them off. If ...
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| droopy shriveled leaves w/ a sticky substance on the under side. | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I have a phalenopsis that was doing great until I repoted it and now the leaves are very droopy and ...
A: Tammie, it sounds as if you may be growing the plant too dry. Clay pots can suck the moisture out ...
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| dendrobium care | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I'm new to orchid care. Three or four weeks ago, I purchased a small dendrobium from Publix. It ...
A: The plant to which you are referring is a New Guinee dendrobium. These are mini-dendrobiums but ...
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| orchid regrowth | 8/13/2008 |
Q: Phalenopses orchid flower stem was trimmed down halfway to above knode(per orchid instructions I ...
A: Gina, the new plant is called a keiki and should develop both leaves and roots before being potted ...
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| is my orchid dying? | 8/12/2008 |
Q: Ok so my orchid was doing great. It had 7 leaves and 8 blooms but it was in its original ugly ...
A: Megan, your orchid needs to be repotted. Locate a source of orchid potting mix. The Schultz Company ...
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| minor root rot | 8/10/2008 |
Q: I purchased what appears to be an extremely healthy phal about 2 weeks ago. There are 7 healthy ...
A: Fran, I would cut back on the watering until after flowering. The sign of root rot is an indication ...
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| after care | 8/10/2008 |
Q: i am a new orchid plant owner having purchased two Phalaenopsis. After the blooms have died, I am to ...
A: Elaine, the spikes are the stemlike growths from which the flower buds emerge and open. They ...
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| Oncidium that won't flower | 8/7/2008 |
Q: I have a couple of oncidiums that I have had for many years. They get lots of new growth, but a ...
A: Scott, I agree that Oncidiums should be summered out where they can get the breezes, increased light ...
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| New Orchid | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I bought a white phalaenopsis six days ago. It came in a pink ceramic pot with a plastic pot inside ...
A: You're welcome Jane. I would wait to repot until all of the flowers have fallen. You don't need to ...
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| phalaenopsis | 8/6/2008 |
Q: but one stem is going brown and all the flowers on it have died, the other stem one of the flowers ...
A: Kirsteen, individual phalaenopsis flowers last 3-4 weeks. It is often difficult to know how long a ...
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| New Orchid | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I bought a white phalaenopsis six days ago. It came in a pink ceramic pot with a plastic pot inside ...
A: Jane, Better Gro also markets bags of phalaenopsis orchid potting mix. You need to buy a bag of this ...
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| Phaelaenopsis Trouble! | 8/4/2008 |
Q: A couple of months ago, my husband brought me home a phalaenopsis plant that he bought from a ...
A: Amber, watering frequency depends, among other things, upon the type and condition of potting mix. ...
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| Taking care of an Orchid | 7/31/2008 |
Q: My husband presented me with a beautiful orchid yesterday. Though the label mentions the name of the ...
A: Morning sunlight is fine which is why most growers recommend an east window. It is fine to have the ...
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| Taking care of an Orchid | 7/31/2008 |
Q: My husband presented me with a beautiful orchid yesterday. Though the label mentions the name of the ...
A: Shalini, you are indeed fortunate to receive such a beautiful orchid. You may water once per week ...
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| Not sure if my phalaenopsis is in trouble! | 7/31/2008 |
Q: I just purchased my first phalaenopsis orchid a few weeks ago, very healthy with many blooms and two ...
A: There is a better than even chance that they will turn yellow and fall off. This is the result of a ...
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| Orchid | 7/31/2008 |
Q: I have never owned an orchid before, and now all the flowers have fallen off, which I know should ...
A: Jenifer, phalaenopsis orchids (if that is what you have) bloom once a year-- usually in the spring. ...
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| Not sure if my phalaenopsis is in trouble! | 7/31/2008 |
Q: I just purchased my first phalaenopsis orchid a few weeks ago, very healthy with many blooms and two ...
A: Kariane, the old bloom spikes (ie stems) naturally die back after flowering, so that is normal. You ...
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| orchid transplant | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I have written to you before, you are the orchid guru! I recently took a trip to Florida where my ...
A: Angela, I recommend that you purchase a commercial grade of orchid potting mix. These can be found ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis that lost all it leaves and I thought it was dying until it put out a shoot ...
A: Amanda, some believe that this situation is a survival mechanism on the part of the plant-- to ...
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| White spots | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I recently moved my orchids outside, and (not thinking) I put my phalaenopsis orchids where there's ...
A: David, I'm guessing that the spots are due to sunlight being focused on the leaves while they are ...
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| orchids is dying - help | 7/30/2008 |
Q: We received a beautiful orchid arrangement as a housewarming gift. If is about 18 inches tall, 6 ...
A: Stacey, the advice you received is correct as far as it goes. You need to obtain a bag of orchid ...
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| phalaenopsis casualty | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I was given a phal as a gift and the directions from the store were to water from the bottom for ...
A: Terri, your question as I understand it, is whether a phalaenopsis orchid can survive once it has ...
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| Phaleanopsis sprouts | 7/29/2008 |
Q: How do I tell the difference between an air root and a new flower sprout? My phal has a sprout ...
A: Deb, an air root, when in active growth, has a green growing tip behind which is a white velamin or ...
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| Dendrobium question | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a Dendrobium New Century "Happiness" at the Pacific Orchid Expo earlier this year. ...
A: You're welcome Erin. We have a catch 22 situation with the new growth. Kind of depends on how large ...
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| Dendrobium question | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a Dendrobium New Century "Happiness" at the Pacific Orchid Expo earlier this year. ...
A: Erin, your dendrobium is one of a group generally known as Yamamato dendrobiums-- named after the ...
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| new orchid flowers | 7/27/2008 |
Q: My 3-month old orchid just lost its last flowers yesterday, so I'm left with the stems. Will the ...
A: Laurel, with regard to your first question, a healthy plant will rebloom next year. You may trim ...
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| Spider Mites/Insecticidal Soap | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I am new to orchids and have an infestation of spider mites. Some of my orchids are in bloom. I ...
A: Marcia, you can mist the plant (leaf top and bottom) with 70 % isoproply (rubbing) alcohol. Mist ...
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| phalaenopsis | 7/25/2008 |
Q: I fertilized the phalaenopsis with Peter's Excel 15-10-15. Unfortunately I left some of them out in ...
A: Jorge, regardless of the root condition, if there is no meristemmatic tissue which can generate a ...
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| Orchid idetification | 7/25/2008 |
Q: Some orchids have flowers that stem from the top of the pseudobulbs (eg. Encyclia). Other have the ...
A: Jose, as you are aware, there are thousands of orchid genera, so I will note just a few of the most ...
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| phalaenopsis | 7/25/2008 |
Q: I fertilized the phalaenopsis with Peter's Excel 15-10-15. Unfortunately I left some of them out in ...
A: Jorge, good question. The color change to reddish or black could well be due to excessive light. ...
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| Oncidium Shady Lady Orchid | 7/25/2008 |
Q: I have had this orchid for about a month. The flowers got darker in color and wilted. I have not ...
A: Kelley, youy are correct about the end of the growing season. You may cut the flower spike off ...
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| orchid petals | 7/24/2008 |
Q: I was given an orchid, i don't know the type but the tag reads 'exotic orchid 'voluptuous''. The ...
A: Carley, I'm going to assume that your orchid is a phalaenopsis or moth orchid but it could be some ...
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| Orchid bought from a Kroger | 7/24/2008 |
Q: My fiancee bought an orchid for me with four spikes from a Kroger store. I have had it about 3 or 4 ...
A: Amanda, the orchids I'm familiar with, sold at Krogers, are minidendrobiums. Like most dendrobiums, ...
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| Sunburned Phalaenopsis | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I got orchid fever about a year. I progressively bought my first six orchids, Phalaenopsis, from a ...
A: Diana, a belated welcome to the wonderful world of orchids. You live in a wonderful place to grow ...
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| bugs in my orchids | 7/22/2008 |
Q: I'm very concerned about my two orchids. They are by each other and I noticed that one has little ...
A: Jen, I recommend That you use an insecticidal drench on your plants. It is likely that your potting ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 7/22/2008 |
Q: I received this orchid as a gift about 2 months ago. I put it near a southern window (in a ...
A: A couple of issues come to mind. You can trim the old flower spike by cutting it off just above a ...
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| Phalaenopsis Orchids | 7/21/2008 |
Q: My Grandmother received this orchid as a gift. It has water pearls in it. She would like to know ...
A: Dana, I recommend that the phalaenopsis be repotted into a standard orchid potting mix in a plastic ...
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| overwater orchid | 7/21/2008 |
Q: Please help! I was called away to care for a sick family member and my assistant watered my orchids ...
A: Wendy, you need to get some orchid potting mix to repot these plants. Soak the mix while unpotting ...
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| Cane Orchid | 7/21/2008 |
Q: My Cane orchid is a little over 3 years old and blooms several time a year. It is "resting" now, ...
A: Rosemary, I assume your "cane" orchid is a dendrobium. There are many different hybrids that could, ...
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| something is growing on the flower stem of my orchid | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I have a phalenopsis orchid which seems to be growing at a tremendous rate. It has two flower stems, ...
A: Grace, to some extent, the answer to your question is that if you have a large, healthy plant, there ...
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| out-of-season phalaenopsis orchids | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I have two phalaenopsis orchid plants, a white flower and a yellow and pink flower, well, the ...
A: Brittany, you have an example of the genetic diveristy in phalaenopsis. Some hybrids (depending upon ...
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| phalaenopsis roots(?) growing out of soil | 7/16/2008 |
Q: I have been given the task of repotting my mother-in-law's treasured phalaenopsis.... she lives in a ...
A: Yes Christine they are orchid roots. A specialized type of root called an aerial root. In areas ...
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| dendrobium phalaenopsis type root loss | 7/15/2008 |
Q: it bloomed beautifully for a month, the flowers fell, some leaves turned yellow and fell. there are ...
A: It sounds as if your dendrobium suffers from rot as a result of overwatering. The only hope for ...
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| brown flower tips on phaleanopsis orchid | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I just received a phaleanopsis orchid as a gift. It was bought from a stand on the street and, while ...
A: Raelynn, I would wait to repot until it has finished flowering. It sounds as if the flowers that ...
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| orchid revival | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid at work which I treated with benign neglect (save for some VERY sporadic watering) ...
A: It sounds as if you have a phalaenopsis orchid. If so, you may cut the old flower spike back and ...
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| dendrobium phalaenopsis type root loss | 7/15/2008 |
Q: it bloomed beautifully for a month, the flowers fell, some leaves turned yellow and fell. there are ...
A: Christy, the stems are called canes. Most dendrobiums require a rest period after blooming. During ...
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| Phalaenopsis Orchid. | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I was given my orchid as a gift and had wanted one for a while. It has three stems and is in a 1.3qt ...
A: Linda, unless you have a pot containing several distinct phalaenopsis orchids, you cannot separate ...
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| my mini orchid | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I was bought a mini orchid last year and it only had a couple of flowers on it which fell off within ...
A: Ruth, I will assume from your description that you have a minidendrobium orchid. Congratulations ...
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| Orchids | 7/14/2008 |
Q: well she has had it for 3 months, and about 2 months ago, the flowers fell off and never grew back. ...
A: Brittany, most orchids bloom once per year. When the flowers are finished, the plant will go into a ...
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| Dendrobium New Spikes | 7/13/2008 |
Q: I am in Hawaii. My giant white dendrobiums are sending out new flower spikes that are not maturing ...
A: Sandi, from your comments, it sounds as though these plants have bloomed well for you in the past ...
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| phaleanopsis orchid | 7/13/2008 |
Q: I have a phaleanopsis orchid that was just starting to grow what looked like could be a bloom, but ...
A: Repotting your plant just when it is starting to bloom could be the reason that the flower spike ...
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| orchid roots | 7/12/2008 |
Q: My mother has an orchid that has sent a shoot out 2 ft with some blossoms on the end. About 3 ...
A: Paula, thanks for your question. As I understand it, the flower spike has roots forming about 3 ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 7/11/2008 |
Q: I recently re-potted my two year old phalaenopsis, in the process of re-potting all the leaves fell ...
A: Christi, I'm one who is reluctant to give up on things but it does sound as if you have crown rot. ...
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| Drooping leaves on Miltoniosis | 7/11/2008 |
Q: We have a Miltoniosis that we bought from a reputable nursery in late May or early June. It had ...
A: Bob, you chose an irrestibly beautiful, difficult to grow orchid. Over the years I have had dozens ...
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| Phalaenopsis Pollination | 7/9/2008 |
Q: removing the pollinia from a Phalaenopsis flower being pollinated with the pollinia from a different ...
A: Luiz, not only will removal of the pollinia not influence the results, but is recommended to avoid ...
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| New potted orchid, stem mushy | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I just received an orchid as a present, and am not sure if I am caring for it properly. The stem ...
A: You have identified the source of the problem. You need to remove any roots that are stringy or ...
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| orchid fungus ? | 7/8/2008 |
Q: but it looks like the single stem with ( 5 or 6 large leaves are covered in a white cotton like in ...
A: Natalie, from your description, I believe that the plants are infested with a sucking insect called ...
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| Help!! | 7/7/2008 |
Q: I have an oncidium that i saved from the top shelf at a convenience store but now i feel helpless ...
A: Jessica, it sounds like that oncidium has been neglected for a long time. As a first step to ...
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| New potted orchid, stem mushy | 7/7/2008 |
Q: I just received an orchid as a present, and am not sure if I am caring for it properly. The stem ...
A: The first thing we have to establish is the type of orchid you have. If the leaves come off from ...
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| my taisuco firebird | 7/7/2008 |
Q: My orchid has stopped blooming, but the leaves are healthy looking and there seems to be a new ...
A: Deborah, it is likely that the translucent growth at the base of plant is an aerial root. You do ...
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| DYING ? PHAELANOPSIS | 7/6/2008 |
Q: MY GIFT PHALO PLANT STILL HAS SOME FLOWERS ON IT BUT THEY LOOK KIND OF SHRIVELLED AND SOME OF THE ...
A: Cynthia you didn't mention whether you have one or more healthy firm roots. If so, you still have a ...
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| DYING ? PHAELANOPSIS | 7/4/2008 |
Q: MY GIFT PHALO PLANT STILL HAS SOME FLOWERS ON IT BUT THEY LOOK KIND OF SHRIVELLED AND SOME OF THE ...
A: Cynthia, the challenge you are facing is one common to all newer growers. When you received the ...
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| Stem propagation of Phals | 7/4/2008 |
Q: .. I'm going to start the stem propagation of phals... I have access to a good lab and greenhouse... ...
A: Mohsen, a great deal depends upon which culture medium you use and whether you use the replate step. ...
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| Can this orcid be saved? | 7/4/2008 |
Q: I was given an orchid for my birthday which bloomed beautifully. However the instructions said that ...
A: Jenny, no harm done in cutting off the flower spike. The only reason some recommend cutting the ...
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| orchid care | 7/3/2008 |
Q: I have a phalenopsis moth orchid and it hasnt bloomed in almost a year. The leaves are dark green ...
A: Amanda, thanks for your question. There are actually two issues that need to be addressed. First, ...
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| Phal. Janet | 7/3/2008 |
Q: I received a Phal. Janet last year that has blooms on it. Since then the blooms have fallen off and ...
A: Barb, you need to repot your plant in fresh orchid potting mix. Once you ahve obtained the special ...
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| Phalaenopsis Orchid with root rot - NOVICE | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I received an orchid as a gift 9 months ago. The flowers are long gone and the stem they grew on ...
A: Melissa, the advice that you got from the flower shop was good as far as it went. I recommend that ...
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| Possible problems w/ my Phalaenopsis Orchid | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis Orchid. I have had it for a few months now. I purchased it with 4 flowers on ...
A: As long as the old flower spike is still green you can cut it off just above any node (it doesn't ...
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| oncidium orchid | 7/2/2008 |
Q: How can I get my oncidium orchid to produce flowers? I live in South Florida, the plants are on my ...
A: Loraine, you live in an ideal part of the country to grow oncidiums. Most oncidiums like lots of ...
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| Possible problems w/ my Phalaenopsis Orchid | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis Orchid. I have had it for a few months now. I purchased it with 4 flowers on ...
A: Christine, you are at or near the end of the annual flowering period for your phalaenopsis. While ...
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| orchid identification/care | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased an orchid at the Ottawa Orchid Society show. The tag in the container reads ...
A: Kathie, thanks for your question. Aspasia epidendroides and Odontocidium San Clemente are both ...
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| Is orchid dying? | 7/1/2008 |
Q: I have a an odontoglossum- don't remember specific kind. We bought it last fall, it needed to be ...
A: Gina, I would guess that you are right about the flying insects being fungus gnats. The only other ...
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| phaelo. orchid question | 6/27/2008 |
Q: Once I cut the dead stalk off, how do I care ofr the orchid so as to allow it to bloom again? I cant ...
A: Repotting should be at the top of your orchid to do list at this time. Locate a bag of orchid ...
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| How to water an indoor orchid | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I think I have a phalaenopsis orchid. It was given to me as a gift in a decorative pot. It has 1 ...
A: Jessica, my first concern comes when I hear that your phalaenopsis orchid is in a ceramic pot. If ...
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| miltonidium bartley schwartz | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I am a 1st time owner so I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong. I bought my bartley in early ...
A: Janet, I recommend you repot your plant in fresh orchid potting mix. This is an ideal time for that ...
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| Cymbidium orchid | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I was given a cymbidium orchid about 2 months age and was doing really great in my office. Over a ...
A: Rosie, cymbidium orchids bloom only once per year. When the flowers fall, the flower spike (from ...
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| Phalaenopsis Hybridizing... | 6/25/2008 |
Q: .. I'd like to know how can I pollinate my phals... I study entomology in Tehran's university of ...
A: Monsen, thanks for your question. The orchid flower has a very different reproductive morphology ...
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| my phalaenopsis is dieing! | 6/25/2008 |
Q: A friend of mine gave me a phalaenopsis as a gift for my wedding..... i watered it once in a week ...
A: Lovy, the first step is to repot your plant. Find a source for orchid potting mix. This is a ...
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| fertilizer, soil | 6/24/2008 |
Q: I have a question on which fertilizer to use on my Phalaenopsis orchid. Since i have alot of cactus ...
A: Good to hear from you Nicole. Let me answer your second question first. You need to locate a ...
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| greenhouse heating | 6/23/2008 |
Q: I live in a mountain community and have a 8 x 14 hobby greenhouse for orchids. I am currently ...
A: Bonnie, the first thought that came to me has to do with heat conservation. If you have single pane ...
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| Doritaenopsis | 6/23/2008 |
Q: I've recently recieved a Doritaenopsis I-Hsin Sun Beauty Orchid. How much sun does it need. I live ...
A: Lynne, I think it would be fine to leave it on a shaded patio while the temp remains 65-85 degrees. ...
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| Limp Leaves and a Brown Stem | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I bought a Phaelenopsis in February that was nearly in full bloom, and it did well sitting on our ...
A: Jason, the old flower spike is dying back, which is normal for your plant. You may cut it off where ...
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| Snow Apple Orchid Care | 6/20/2008 |
Q: I recieved a Snow Apple orchid in March and have been taking what I think to be good care of it ...
A: Lia, I'm assuming you have a phalaenopsis orchid. The term "Snow Apple" could refer to several ...
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| Phalaenopsis is wilting and some yellow leaves please help! | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I received a beautiful phalaenopsis as a gift. The blooms eventually died and fell off so I cut the ...
A: Vanessa, aerial roots (those sticking out of the pot) are normal. Ideally these should be put back ...
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| Phalaenopsis is wilting and some yellow leaves please help! | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I received a beautiful phalaenopsis as a gift. The blooms eventually died and fell off so I cut the ...
A: Vanessa, I think you need to repot your plant in an orchid potting mix. Usually wilting is the ...
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| Phalaenopsis repotting -- soil? | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Wayne. Someone was throwing out a beautiful orchid and I volunteerd to take it on as a project. ...
A: You need to locate a source of orchid potting mix in which to plant your phal. Many garden centers ...
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| Apple help | 6/16/2008 |
Q: Let me start by making an honest statement. I have no idea about, about apple farming.Infact i saw ...
A: I am sorry that you have picked the wrong expert to ask these questions on apple trees & growing, I ...
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| My Phal is turning yellow | 6/16/2008 |
Q: My Phal that i got 2 or 3 months ago was doing great but then some leaves fell off then it was fine ...
A: Jillian, there are several issues here and I will take them separately. It is not unusual for the ...
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| Black areas on cattleya orchid | 6/15/2008 |
Q: My husband purchased a cattleya orchid, Lc. Mari's Magic, at an orchid society silent auction five ...
A: Bernadette, I like your plan. As you know, it is difficult to diagnose a disease strictly from a ...
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| trim my Den Woon Leng | 6/15/2008 |
Q: We have a Den. Woon Leng. The blooms have all fallen off and some original shoots are loosing ...
A: Kathie, I have several observations to share with you. First, the normal growth habit of most ...
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| wilting--HELP !! | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I just bought a lovely catellaya (sp?), but I accidentally left it in my car when it was too hot ...
A: Mary, orchid blooms are very delicate and once they start to wilt it is unlikely they can be ...
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| CM Fitch Izumi | 6/14/2008 |
Q: My orchid plant bloomed beautifully last fall. Since then, the base of the leaf stems are gradually ...
A: Maureen, the yellowing and loss of older leaves is normal but the "Squishy" areas are of great ...
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| Is my Phalaenopsis amabilis Orchid dying? | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I got my orchid from my boyfriend on valentines day last year. later the flowers got a few spots on ...
A: Jade, it was fine to leave the old flower spike the way it was. Our main concern should be to focus ...
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| reliable books on orchids | 6/12/2008 |
Q: What are some good reference books on growing orchids? I just returned from Malaysia with several ...
A: Courtney, the 1990 edition is the fourth and, I believe most recent, edition. It differs little ...
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| reliable books on orchids | 6/10/2008 |
Q: What are some good reference books on growing orchids? I just returned from Malaysia with several ...
A: Courtney, I recommend the book "Home Orchid Growing" by the late Rebecca Tyson Northen published by ...
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| Phalaenopsis new leaf growth | 6/7/2008 |
Q: I got a Phalaenopsis for Christmas. The flowers bloomed, and are now gone. The leaves are limp , ...
A: Christina, you will not need to cut back the old leaves because the y are likely to drop off. What ...
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| Orchid - Phalaenopsis | 6/6/2008 |
Q: I have just bought my first orchids. I have noticed that on one of them the leaves are splitting ...
A: Leslie, some phalaenopsis do have a tendency to do this. I have found that using a solution called ...
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| New Roots | 6/6/2008 |
Q: After the flowers on my phalaenopsis orchid fell off, I cut back the stem a few inches. It is now ...
A: Jamie, you may remove the keikis with a small twist where they join the flower spike. These may be ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid lost all leaves? | 6/6/2008 |
Q: My Phalaenopsis orchid began to loose it's leaves pretty much right after I got it. Now 1 month ...
A: JoAnne, let me first address the issue of yellowing and floppy leaves as that is the most critical ...
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| Orchids | 6/4/2008 |
Q: What do we do when all the flowers drop off of the orchid vines? We have them in a hallway with ...
A: Carol, I'm not sure what type of orhid you have but I will assume you have a phalaenopsis orchid and ...
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| dendrobium burana pink No.2 | 6/3/2008 |
Q: My orchid bloomed twice since I got it two years ago. Now on the end of an old cane a new plant is ...
A: Andy, the only time I would cut an old cane is if it has rotted and exhibits the symptoms I have ...
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| My orchids have wiltered | 6/3/2008 |
Q: I received an orchid plant as a gift a month ago. I was told to water it once a week, which i have ...
A: Dee, thank you for your question-- maybe, together, we can save this plant. I'm going to assume you ...
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| orchis cut or not | 6/2/2008 |
Q: i read that you should cut the flower stem off before the last flower dies so it will reflower ...
A: Ka, no it is not true. Phalaenopsis orchids can rebloom in one or more of three methods. The first ...
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| dendrobium burana pink No.2 | 6/1/2008 |
Q: My orchid bloomed twice since I got it two years ago. Now on the end of an old cane a new plant is ...
A: Andy, sorry for thew delay in answering your question. For some reason, I just received it. If ...
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| orchid health | 5/30/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid that I purchased two months ago. I'm dealnig with a fungal spot issue, but my ...
A: Angela, it sounds like you have a problem with your roots. When roots serving one or more leaves ...
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| wilting leaves-phanelopsis | 5/26/2008 |
Q: I have a phanelopsis bought ca. 3 months ago. It was bloming then, but unfortunately the stem with ...
A: Joanna, when you repotted did you check the condition of the roots? Roots that are mushy are dead ...
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| Orchid in trouble! | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I have a Cambria orchid I bought from the supermarket. The label tells me its a hybrid but not of ...
A: Cecily, the full name of your plant is Vuylstekeara Cambria. Vuylstakeara (Vuyl) is an intergeneric ...
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| Shatered Orchid Pot | 5/23/2008 |
Q: HELP! My orchid plant is damaged. The pot was dropped and now the flowers are disconnected from the ...
A: Carrie, I assume you have a phalaenopsis orchid. You can save the plant by repotting the roots and ...
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| orchid problem | 5/22/2008 |
Q: bought an orchid from grocery store nursery a week ago. the bud stem has turned yellow & buds are ...
A: Patty, it is difficult to say which of a number of conditions might have caused mushy buds. ...
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| Dendrobium orchids | 5/20/2008 |
Q: I am pretty new to the orchid world. All of my experience thus far has been with my mother's phals. ...
A: Good question Samantha. Listerine has antifungal properties. It can be used full strength. To ...
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| Dendrobium orchids | 5/19/2008 |
Q: I am pretty new to the orchid world. All of my experience thus far has been with my mother's phals. ...
A: Samanths, it is likely that the black spots are sunburn. The alternative explanation is a leaf ...
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| Belize Orchids | 5/17/2008 |
Q: Looking for a grower / exporter of native Belize Orchids
A: I recommend that you contact any of a number of growers in the United States. Oak Hill Gardens in ...
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| General health of a journeyman Phal. | 5/16/2008 |
Q: I have a phal that I originally received as a gift. When I first got it I didn't know a thing about ...
A: The Home Depot orchid potting mix is fine. I usually soak it overnight before using it because fir ...
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| General health of a journeyman Phal. | 5/16/2008 |
Q: I have a phal that I originally received as a gift. When I first got it I didn't know a thing about ...
A: Normally, one of the functions of repotting is to wash the roots and check to see if any have rotted ...
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| Phaleanopsis | 5/15/2008 |
Q: I have received two phaleanopsis for mothers day and as I have killed 4 or 5 I have lots of ...
A: Put your doubts aside and enjoy the flowers. When they have finished flowering, you can cut the ...
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| Phalenopsis problem | 5/14/2008 |
Q: Four of the seven phalenopsis in my collection are having problems. The leaves are wilting and ...
A: James, usually, the problem you have described is due to root rot. You indicated that you attempted ...
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| Phal Orchid | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I just received a White Phalaenopsis Orchid for Mother's Day from my son. I need advice in ...
A: Tamia, from your description, I wonder if you really have a phalaenopsis orchid. Dendrobium orchids ...
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| phal orchid update help | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I wanted to check again with you. I have a Phalaenopsis orchid, which I cut the spike last August ...
A: Catherine, it is natural for older leaves to turn yellow and die. These should be replaced by new ...
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| growing another orchid from an existing | 5/12/2008 |
Q: Can I grow a second orchid from clipping any part of the plant and sticking it in water or dirt to ...
A: Angela, I recommend a hybrid phalaenopsis. They are easy to care for and come in a large variety of ...
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| growing another orchid from an existing | 5/12/2008 |
Q: Can I grow a second orchid from clipping any part of the plant and sticking it in water or dirt to ...
A: Angela, you cannot create vegetative divisions as you can with many house plants. Some orchids can ...
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| Horizontal growth on dendrobium | 5/10/2008 |
Q: I have taken over the care of a Dendrobium orchid that belonged to my aunt who passed away. The tag ...
A: Good questions Susan. It most likely doesn't make any difference which of three options you choose: ...
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| Horizontal growth on dendrobium | 5/9/2008 |
Q: I have taken over the care of a Dendrobium orchid that belonged to my aunt who passed away. The tag ...
A: Susan, the name of your dendrobium hybrid is "Woo Leng". Tags are sometimes filled out incorrectly ...
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| my orchid may be dead | 4/15/2008 |
Q: i got an orchid as a present and went out of town and the person who was taking care of it let it ...
A: Christina, the first thing I need to know is the type of orchid you have. I suspect that you have a ...
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| orchids | 4/15/2008 |
Q: what does this mean when your orchid flowrs begen to curl back up does it mean that it is dying or ...
A: Kyler, it means that the flowers are dying-- but that is normal. The plant itself, if kept healthy, ...
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| problem with a phalenopsis | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid - phalenopsis. I bought about a month ago and it was blooming, but unfortunately ...
A: Yes, it should be smaller and, ultimately, the size should be even smaller if the root mass has been ...
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| problem with a phalenopsis | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid - phalenopsis. I bought about a month ago and it was blooming, but unfortunately ...
A: Joana, I suspect root rot is to blame. You can confirm this by pulling the plant from its pot and ...
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| reproduction | 4/11/2008 |
Q: Will all types of orchids reproduce at the flower spike? Is this happening from a seed germinating, ...
A: Amber, thank you for your interesting question. Not all orchids reproduce from the flower spike. ...
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| paph ruby leopard | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a paph ruby leopard orchid... while in bloom, the plant seemed fine, but once ...
A: Margaret, I would let them die off naturally. There may still be some photosynthesis occuring in ...
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| paph ruby leopard | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a paph ruby leopard orchid... while in bloom, the plant seemed fine, but once ...
A: Margaret, it sounds as if the light, even if indirect, is too bright for a paph. You have done well ...
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| Help! Frost killed my cypripedium reginae | 4/10/2008 |
Q: Help! The last week of frosts and snow in the UK killed a young shoot of my cypripedium reginae in a ...
A: Svetlana, even in its natural habitat, Cypripedium reginae may begin to grow during an especially ...
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| Diffentiation between two Paphs | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I bought a Paph.wardii about a month ago. There is no big problem since I have bought a ...
A: Francis, I'm sure that you can locate pictures by googling the species name. One site that I use ...
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| brassia christine rex | 4/9/2008 |
Q: Looks like rot spot on one of the bulbs anything I can do to fix and not have this happen again???
A: In order to avoid having the infection spread, I would advise cutting out the rotted portion of the ...
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| Yellow Dendrobium leaves with brown spots. | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I have been taking care of my boss's orchids for over a year now. I thought I was doing well, and ...
A: I think you can be confident that the plant has been in resting mode. It is not uncommon for the ...
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| phalenopsis leaves shrivelling | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I've read your answer to a similar question, but my case is different. I repotted my phal in ...
A: Good question Barbara. I'm afraid the answer is not simple. If the mother plant is sending out one ...
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| phalenopsis leaves shrivelling | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I've read your answer to a similar question, but my case is different. I repotted my phal in ...
A: Barbara, as a survival mechanism, it is not unusual to see weakened plants try to flower. However, ...
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| about my Ascoscenda | 4/3/2008 |
Q: I bought an Ascoscenda orchid about two months ago but I have never seen its flower since I bought. ...
A: Francis, depending upon where you are located, you may be able to do what I do. I hang my ...
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| orchids and how to revive them!!! | 4/2/2008 |
Q: my husband bought me an orchid for valentines day its an already potted orchid Ive never owned one ...
A: Genelle, thanks for your question. I'll assume that you have a phalaenopsis or moth orchid and the ...
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| Withering Miltonia Pansy Orchid | 4/1/2008 |
Q: My yellow Miltonia (which I bought 3 weeks ago) has started withering. The pale yellow flowers are ...
A: Susan, I suspect that the orchid, when in bud at the retailers, got wet and may have gotten too cool ...
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| phalaenopsis flower upside down | 4/1/2008 |
Q: We bought a hybrid phalaenopsis orchid a month ago. One of the flowers bloomed recently and looked ...
A: David, it may be an aberration, but it also could be a function of how the plant was grown. The ...
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| Withering Miltonia Pansy Orchid | 3/31/2008 |
Q: My yellow Miltonia (which I bought 3 weeks ago) has started withering. The pale yellow flowers are ...
A: Susan, I understand that your flowers are wilting but you have some new buds. It is natural for ...
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| Burragera Nelly Isler Care | 3/31/2008 |
Q: Howdy Wayne, just a quick question in regards to my Nelly Isler - when I bought it, the petals of ...
A: the flowers on this plant actually grow larger as they age and the colors tend to become diffuse as ...
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| Phaleonopsis leaves shriveling | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I have a phaleonopsis that I've had about two years. It's quite large, probably two plants. It ...
A: Ann, it is likely that this plant needs to be repotted. I would not let a plant be in continuous ...
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| black spots | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I just purchased a Phalaenpsis Orchid; beautiful. However I noticed after bringing it home that ...
A: It is likely that the black spots under the leaves is something called sooty mold. On way to test ...
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| White Orchids not blooming this year | 3/30/2008 |
Q: I own a white orchid for about five years and every year it blooms at the beginning of the year. ...
A: Brenda, it sounds as if both of your orchids are phalaenopsis including the one you referred to as ...
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| simple orchid reaseach topic | 3/29/2008 |
Q: I am taking a plant ecology class in college and need a simple reasearch topic I can really enjoy on ...
A: Holly, I recommend a topic on native orchid culture. Several possibilities are: 1) the artificial ...
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| White Orchids not blooming this year | 3/29/2008 |
Q: I own a white orchid for about five years and every year it blooms at the beginning of the year. ...
A: Brenda, there is no way that the phalaenopsis interferes with the blooming of your other orchid. I ...
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| New plants | 3/28/2008 |
Q: Do you break the new plant off a spike or cut it in some way? Do you put the new roots all the way ...
A: New plants that are found on a flower spike must grow fairly large (ie 3 inch + leaf span + new ...
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| Phaelenopsis | 3/28/2008 |
Q: I think I am becoming addicted. I bought a few orchids last summer. I left them in Florida on a ...
A: Susan, senescence refers to dying due to aging. It is not a likely explanation for all the flowers ...
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| Dendrobium / Phaleanopsis | 3/28/2008 |
Q: 1. My Dendrobium was purchased on sale when out of bloom. It has been about a year. It has not ...
A: Elizabeth, with regard to your dendrobium, it is all one plant. Each new growth derives some of its ...
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| Orchids Drooping (Phal) | 3/28/2008 |
Q: I purchased a pink and yellow phal in february and it has not been right since. I repotted it with ...
A: Maggie, orchid roots consist of two parts: a covering called the velamin and a hair-like center. ...
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| Orchids Drooping (Phal) | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I purchased a pink and yellow phal in february and it has not been right since. I repotted it with ...
A: I have a number of questions Maggie? When you repotted it did you check to be sure the roots were ...
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| Phaelenopsis | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I think I am becoming addicted. I bought a few orchids last summer. I left them in Florida on a ...
A: You can go to your nearest garden center and ask for their recommendation of a fungicide for ...
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| shrivelling orchid buds | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I've just been given a pink phalaenopsis orchid which I'm really crazy about and really wish to ...
A: Allison, those buds that have become srinkly will abort and fall off. That doesn't mean that there ...
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| Bent Phalaenopsis Flower Spike | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I have had beautiful Phalaenopsis, “Brother Lancer,” for five years. This year it produced two ...
A: Linda, congratulations on your flowering success. Supporting the bent spike above and below the ...
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| Phaelenopsis | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I think I am becoming addicted. I bought a few orchids last summer. I left them in Florida on a ...
A: Susan, welcome to Orchids Anonymous. You might enjoy reading the book "Orchid Fever-- A ...
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| Phal questions | 3/25/2008 |
Q: hope you can help I have 7 phalaenopsis orchids. 2 of them are flowering right now but still have a ...
A: Heather, not to worry. The reason Phalaenopsis stay in bloom so long is precisely because of the ...
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| is my orchid going to make it? | 3/23/2008 |
Q: I bought a White Phalaenopsisfrom Home Depot last Spring and it bloomed afterward, by fall the roots ...
A: Sorry for the loss of your plant Samantha. Moss, as part of a potting mix, can be a problem as it ...
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| Dying bulbs | 3/22/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a Phalaenopsis Mericlone after purchasing this Orchid I noticed some of the bulbs ...
A: Debra, I assume by "bulbs" you mean "buds". It is difficult to say for sure why the buds are ...
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| Overheated Greenhouse | 3/22/2008 |
Q: HELP! My greenhouse overheated to 125 F for three days in a row. I now have automatic vent openers ...
A: Calleb, I purchased my shade cloth from Charley's Greenhouse (charleysgreenhouse.com). They have a ...
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| Overheated Greenhouse | 3/22/2008 |
Q: HELP! My greenhouse overheated to 125 F for three days in a row. I now have automatic vent openers ...
A: Caleb, see if you can cover your greenhouse with a shade cloth if you haven't already. Then move ...
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| I think my Dendrobium Orchid is dying.. | 3/21/2008 |
Q: I got a Dendrobium Orchid from my boyfriend in Oct. 2007 and when the last flower died..i just left ...
A: Diana, it is a common error to water "sleeping" dendrobiums. After blooming, they go into a rest ...
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| Flower spike | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I was wondering what am I supposed to do when a spike loses all the flowers. Some say to cut the ...
A: Jack, Im assuming that you have a phalaenopsis orchid. Phalaenopsis flower spikes are of two types. ...
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| Placing trays under orchids | 3/19/2008 |
Q: I have trays that contain a small amount of water, glass marbles on top and my orchids on top on ...
A: Michele, yes it is helpful. While humidities indoors in the winter can drop very low, air ...
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| Leaves turned white on Phaia | 3/19/2008 |
Q: The ma said to keep it from opening to soon to keep it cold. I put it out in my flower shed next to ...
A: Gail, I think your suggested reason for the leaf change is on target. It sounds like bleaching from ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 3/19/2008 |
Q: I have a orchid I bought last yr, it was in bloom I now have about 6-8 new blooms they are fairly ...
A: Vickie, I assume you have 6-8 buds on your plant and these have not yet opened. It does take a long ...
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| Blooms on the same spike | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I have been cutting back the stems after the blooms have finished and have just read that new ...
A: Very few orchids will rebloom on the same spike. It is most common on phalaenopsis orchids. ...
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| Questions about Brassidium | 3/18/2008 |
Q: My husband gives me an orchid every Valentine's day as well as one for our anniversary every year. ...
A: Sheralee, the short answer is that most types of orchids prefer to be crowded. However, both crowded ...
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| Dendrobium | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I have 4 Dendrobiums they seem to be doing good all have small daughters growing well. But the bark ...
A: There are two preferred courses of action. The white fuzz, as you suggested, is likely snow mold ...
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| phal orchid leaves cracking and yellowing | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I am a new phal orchid owner - 3 wks. The plant is beautiful and still blooming, however, one of ...
A: Here are my recommendations: First, let the plant finish blooming; second you should remove it from ...
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| Questions about Brassidium | 3/16/2008 |
Q: My husband gives me an orchid every Valentine's day as well as one for our anniversary every year. ...
A: Sheralee, my first concern would be at the root level. If the plant has not been repotted in the ...
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| Orchid care | 3/16/2008 |
Q: Do I cut off the stem that originally had the bloom on it? It appears to be growing a new plant on ...
A: Diane, first let me assume that you have a phalaenopsis orecchid and the stem you refer to is a ...
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| Orchid Newbie | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I bought an orchid from my local nursery this weekend. With it I bought an orchid pot, pebbles for ...
A: Susie, you would be right not to repot while the plant is in flower or bud. As soon as the buds have ...
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| No roots...? | 3/15/2008 |
Q: My well-meaning boyfriend surprised me with 5 orchids this past week. I used to have a collection of ...
A: April, if you or your friend have the receipt, you might check with the store and see if you can get ...
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| can i save my phalaenopsis orchid!? | 3/15/2008 |
Q: i am in desperate need of help regarding my phal orchids. i bought 3 orchids last summer and they ...
A: Heather, you are not giving yourself enough credit. I hope you are repotting in fresh orchid ...
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| Black spots on phals | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I live in South Florida and grow mostly phals outdoors in slatted baskets in a shaded eastern ...
A: Sheryl, it is not likely that your phals have a virus from the symptoms you have described. It ...
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| cymbidium and phalenopsis | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I live in Jordan my cybidium flowers fell off whould i cat the stems now or wait. My phalenopsis ...
A: Since cymbidiums will not reflower on old flower spikes, when flowering has finished, you may cut ...
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| no stem! | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I need help. My mother-in-law cut off the stem on my phalaenopsis after the blooms died out! There ...
A: Debbie, I assume that by the stem you mean the flower spike. It is OK if the flower spike was cut ...
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| phalaenopsis in office seems to be dying | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I have a pot of phalaenopsis in the office... and humidity here in this country is 90% but in an ...
A: I believe the cause can be found at the roots. I think your plant has root rot. You can verify ...
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| is my orchid going to make it? | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I bought a White Phalaenopsisfrom Home Depot last Spring and it bloomed afterward, by fall the roots ...
A: Samantha, I may need a little more information to give the best advice. What I would like to know ...
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| Brassia Orchid flowering | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I have a Brsdm,Shooting Star x Brs.longissima I have had it for 3 years and the plant is 8 years ...
A: Tony, I have a couple of suggestions for things you might try. About this time of year, the sun is ...
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| phalaenopsis in office seems to be dying | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I have a pot of phalaenopsis in the office... and humidity here in this country is 90% but in an ...
A: Bernard, you need to do several things to protect your plant. The firt of these is to get a plastic ...
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| Help save my phalaenopsis please! | 3/10/2008 |
Q: I bought a phalaenopsis orchid a little over a week ago, which has 5 white flowers and about the ...
A: Lindsey, the answer to your question is that it all depends. Most orchid potting mixes contain ...
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| Butterfly Orchids Flowers | 3/10/2008 |
Q: I bought my butterfly orchids at beginning of November 2007. When I bought them, they had two stems ...
A: Cleo, the genus Psychopsis (ie Butterfly orchid) can reflower on the old flower spikes (ie stems) so ...
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| Cutting back after orchids have lost all of their blossoms | 3/8/2008 |
Q: Where do I cut the spike when all the flowers have wilted and fallen? And how long should an orchid ...
A: Barbara, I will assume that you are referring to phalaenopsis orchids. Each flower normally lasts ...
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| white stuff on orchids | 3/8/2008 |
Q: When i took a cotton swab there are gold colored things. Are they mealybugs? There are on all the ...
A: Barbara, glad you asked. Mealy bugs are like cottony growths but are insects that quickly reproduce. ...
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| help on cattleya | 3/7/2008 |
Q: The pseudobulbs of the cattleya are shriveled. Does this mean they are dehydrated or are they ...
A: Alma, Cattleya species generally grow in areas that get little or no rain during part of the year. ...
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| cymbidium care | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I've been collecting cymbidium for the least 10 years. I get bloom spikes in some of my cym plants. ...
A: Alma, thanks for your questions. I will try to address each one in order. 1 &3 I'm not familiar ...
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| Vanda with keikis | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I have several keikis growing at the base of my blue vanda orchid. Can these be separated? and if ...
A: Jack, they can be separated if they have new root growth. I recommend that they have at least four ...
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| dendrobium disease | 3/6/2008 |
Q: my very large and old dendrobium has developed clear dots all over the leaves along the spike and ...
A: Cheryl, it sounds as if sucking insects have been attacking your leaves. You will need to examine ...
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| orchid | 3/5/2008 |
Q: I have had it for about 2 years. After the bloom and stem had died I cut them off and one of the ...
A: Cara, I suggest you increase the light level and feed the plant with 1/4 tsp of a bloom booster ...
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| orchid i.d.s | 3/5/2008 |
Q: Would you be able to recommend a website and books which might offer information on identifying ...
A: One website you could try is the American Orchid Society (AOS) website. One section of their ...
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| Help save my phalaenopsis please! | 3/5/2008 |
Q: I bought a phalaenopsis orchid a little over a week ago, which has 5 white flowers and about the ...
A: Lindsey, the flowers at the bottom were the oldest and, therefore, would naturally finish their ...
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| Phalaenopsis with Shriveled Leaves | 3/3/2008 |
Q: I bought a phalaenopsis 2 months ago. The leaves are now shriveling. I pot it in orchid bark, and ...
A: Victoria, clearly your plant's potting mix is not staying moist enough. Both shriveling leaves and ...
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| Phal Orchid | 3/2/2008 |
Q: This might seem like a stupid question, but I've never had an orchid reflower after the original ...
A: Donna, without having seen it, I would say yes to the flower spike. Aerial roots are usually grey ...
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| Cymbidium | 3/1/2008 |
Q: I have a cymbidium with what I Think is scale (lite brown round spots on top or bottom side of ...
A: Renee, the whitish fuzz is another insect called a mealy bug. The sticky substance is plant sap ...
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| orchid flowers are falling | 3/1/2008 |
Q: my Orchid's flowers are falling off and leaves are turning orange, It was just bought for me and I ...
A: Colleen, you didn't mention what type of orchid you have. It could make a difference in my ...
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| bright white mold like spots | 3/1/2008 |
Q: I have a number of phal, orchids that I have to separate because some have this white airy mold ...
A: Lynelle, you have a bad infestation of a sucking insect called mealy bug. Yes, it reproduces ...
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| Phal orchid help | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I have a phal orchid.. I've had some help from you guys in the past, which I really appreciate. I ...
A: Cat, I wouldn't be concerned about the aerial roots (ie those outside of the pot). While they are ...
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| Dendrobium Burana Stripe #1 & Phalaenopsis | 2/28/2008 |
Q: OK, lets start with my first guy (Dendro.) I have had this plant for YEARS (probably about 6) It ...
A: That dendrobium is a deciduous dendrobium. It requires a rest period during which it loses some or ...
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| Phal problem | 2/28/2008 |
Q: I have several phals and right now 2 of them have spikes - very exciting. But one of these flower ...
A: Patty, from your description, it sounds as if you will lose your bud. It is not uncommon for phals ...
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| Orchid over watered | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid that seemed to be doing great, old flowers fell off as a new bud was growing. The ...
A: Dawn, it sounds like you have a phalaenopsis orchid. The flower spike on phalaenopsis orchids ...
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| New Orchid | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I recently received a large orchid (Phalaenopsis) via mail order as a gift. Its beautiful and quite ...
A: Yes, orchid food or any plant food is fine as long as you use only 1/4 tsp per gallon of water. ...
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| New Orchid | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I recently received a large orchid (Phalaenopsis) via mail order as a gift. Its beautiful and quite ...
A: Angela, typically a phalaenopsis flower will last at least two weeks. You didn't mention whether or ...
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| wrinkled leaves on Phals | 2/24/2008 |
Q: I have a question about wrinkled leaves on my Phals. I have two that have been in different spots ...
A: Olive, I think you definitely should repot your phals. The first step is to obtain some orchid ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 2/23/2008 |
Q: Received this plant 8 mos. ago Leaves are in good shape however long stems seem to be dying since ...
A: Mike, the stems (aka flower spikes) naturally die back after flowering has finished. You may cut ...
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| how can i help my orchid | 2/22/2008 |
Q: Someone sent me a potted orchid by mail two weeks ago. It was beautiful when it came but ever since ...
A: It sounds like your orchid got too cold during shipment. That could account for the loss of buds. ...
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| Orchid seedlings | 2/22/2008 |
Q: Oh, thank you, thank you for being available for questions. A year and a half ago, a friend gave me ...
A: You are to be congratulated on doing so well with these young mericlones as orchids that young are ...
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| new orchid's stem is turning brown! | 2/21/2008 |
Q: I bought an orchid 2 weeks ago, the flowers fell off 3 days later. Now the stem is turning brown and ...
A: Kelly, I assume you have a phalaenopsis orchid. The "stem" that bears the flowers is called a ...
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| My orchid | 2/12/2008 |
Q: My boyfriend gave me a beautiful orchid for my birthday last november, my first plant ever. At the ...
A: Megan, I assume you had a phalaenopsis orchid for purposes of my response. When a phalaenopsis ...
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| Bloom problems | 2/12/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a white Phalaenopsis from the grocery store. The night I brought it home our ...
A: Roxanne, phalaenopsis flowers and buds are very sensitive to cold so it sounds as if your plant will ...
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| phals, long bloom stalk, no blooms | 2/12/2008 |
Q: what could be happening, I fertilize with Shultz 19-31-17. Thank-you for your response
A: It can easily take a month or more for long bloom spikes to develop buds. You didn't mention how ...
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| Orchids in a Cold (50 deg) Terrarium | 2/11/2008 |
Q: My house is kept at 50 deg all winter except for evenings at 63 deg. Summers have temps from 70-95 ...
A: Rose, that is indeed a challenge. Most small orchids that do well at cool temperatures don't do ...
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| Oncidium intergeneric/Alliance | 2/11/2008 |
Q: I have had a Wildcat "Yellow Butterfly" Orchid for two years and it won't bloom. This plant is very ...
A: I think many of your challenges result from the decomposition of the potting mix. Best time to ...
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| trying to figure out what I bought.. | 2/11/2008 |
Q: I hope you don't think this is stupid but I bought an orchid - paphiopedilum and it was labelled ...
A: Gina, I undertstand your desire to put a name on this plant. Paph makuli is actually a complex ...
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| Oncidium intergeneric/Alliance | 2/10/2008 |
Q: I have had a Wildcat "Yellow Butterfly" Orchid for two years and it won't bloom. This plant is very ...
A: I understand how scary it is to repot the plant. If, however, you knew what would become of it if ...
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| Oncidium intergeneric/Alliance | 2/9/2008 |
Q: I have had a Wildcat "Yellow Butterfly" Orchid for two years and it won't bloom. This plant is very ...
A: Whitney, very sorry to hear about your sister. Her memory lives through that plant so we need to do ...
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| orchid ident without flowers | 2/9/2008 |
Q: My mom received an orchid as a gift about 7 years ago. It had flowers at that time but has not ...
A: Hopefully, you already have my followup answer, but if not here it is again. In the picture the ...
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| orchid ident without flowers | 2/8/2008 |
Q: My mom received an orchid as a gift about 7 years ago. It had flowers at that time but has not ...
A: Sheri, I went to the website you recommended for viewing and went back two yesrs in time without ...
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| No Phalaenopsis stem! | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I had a beautiful flowering orchid about two years ago, and after the flowers died off, I (stupidly) ...
A: Jessie, it was not stupid to cut the stem (ie flower spike) on your phalaenopsis. On some ...
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| ladyslipper | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I have a green ladyslipper orchid, I have had for 3 years it was from our grandma fujii's funeral ...
A: Kristy, I assume you repotted your orchid in a seedling type of orchid potting mix. If you don't ...
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| orchid top bent over badly | 2/6/2008 |
Q: My wonderful girlfriends Orchid, and in the move the top got bent over all the way to the side, it ...
A: Ryan, I'll need to guess at some of the missing details in your description so I'll do that and my ...
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| orchid care | 2/5/2008 |
Q: I'm a beginner and I have 3 different color orchid not necessarily different kinds. They were given ...
A: First Jaci, welcome to the wonderful world of orchids. It sounds like you have a phalaenopsis ...
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| How to save a Phalaenopsis | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis which has great sentimental value and I am trying to save it. I will try and ...
A: Danielle, you did not describe the "poting soil" you have used. I presume you used orchid potting ...
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| Oncidium and phalaenopsis culture | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I am new to orchids, and have a few questions I can't seem to find answers to. Thank you in ...
A: If you have new leaves growing below the wound, that suggests that you do have a growing point below ...
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| Oncidium and phalaenopsis culture | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I am new to orchids, and have a few questions I can't seem to find answers to. Thank you in ...
A: Maggie, it sounds as if you are doing well with your plants. On the phalaenopsis, I assume that the ...
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| growing | 1/26/2008 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis orchid that tried to die, It had root rot of some sort. I took it out of the ...
A: JoAnne, it sounds as if it has been a couple of years since you last looked at the roots and ...
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| healthy yet dying? | 1/22/2008 |
Q: My orchid bloomed and was doing really well, then when all of the flowers finished blooming and ...
A: Kelsey, I will assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid. First, Phalaenopsis flower spikes may ...
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| Orchid left in Cold | 1/22/2008 |
Q: My orchid was left in the car overnight. The flowers are lifeless and the leaves are thawing out, ...
A: From the sound of things, it was below freezing in the car overnight. If that is true, the plant ...
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| NO IDEA | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid and don't know what kind it is and there are some white spots on a few of the ...
A: Not a problem. It is importanr that you ask questions. That is the key to learning-- that's what ...
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| NO IDEA | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid and don't know what kind it is and there are some white spots on a few of the ...
A: OK melissa. If it is a phalaenopsis, then everything changes. Phalaenopsis don't have canes but ...
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| 2 Phals | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I know you have probably been asked these same questions time and time again and I am sorry if you ...
A: Let me take the easy part first Kasha. Removal of the old dried flower spikes is an aesthetic ...
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| NO IDEA | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid and don't know what kind it is and there are some white spots on a few of the ...
A: I would have to take a shot in the dark Melissa as to which type of orchid you have. My best guess ...
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| Vanda - root rot | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I set up a hydroponic planter for it. Well, needless to say, the directions were completely wrong ...
A: Kristen, I would say you did get some bad advice. Soak it or mist it every other day and hang it in ...
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| Losing all leaves on my cybidium | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I have a cybidium that Is losing all of It's leaves. they are turning brown and drying up. I have ...
A: You need to repot this plant to fresh orchid potting mix. It should start its new growth in a couple ...
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| Phalaenopsis orchid blooms have wilted 1 week after bringing home | 1/16/2008 |
Q: Wayne, I brought home a phalaenopsis orchid that looked healthy and had 4 blooms. After one week ...
A: Leah, it sounds, from your description, that your plant will be fine. It is often difficult to tell ...
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| pot-bound phalaenopsis | 1/14/2008 |
Q: I have had a phalaenopsis in glorious bloom since July 2004. It has made a huge number of long ...
A: Marjorie, first let me congratulate you are your excellent growing job. First step in repotting is ...
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| Dendrobium Orchid-leaves falling off stems look dry | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I was given a large beautiful Dendrobium Orchid about 2 1/2 months ago. I have been very careful ...
A: Your dendrobium is a deciduous orchid. After flowering, it goes into a rest period in which it may ...
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| Is this a new spike? | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I have two Phalaenopsis Orchids one is now beginning to bloom and has produced a long branch with ...
A: Cherrie, thank you for the detailed description. I believe you have a new flower spike developing ...
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| roots, and blooms | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I was given an orchid as a going away gift. I've never grown them before. It had a bloom on it at ...
A: Based upon your description, you likely have a phalaenopsis or moth orchid. If so, the leaves on ...
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| orchids | 1/12/2008 |
Q: I have my first two orchids. They are producing roots at some of the joints. Am I supposed to cut ...
A: Marie, can you describe your plants in a little more detail? Is there a name tag in the pot? My ...
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| new growth on a phaleanopsis orchid plant | 1/11/2008 |
Q: My 8 or 9 year old orchid has a new set of leaves about 2/3rds of the way up the mother plant. It is ...
A: Judy, from your description, I believe the two leaves are the beginnings of a new plant called a ...
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| Phalaenopsis: wilting flowers | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I purchased my first orchid, a Phalaenopsis in November of 2007. It was already potted and in bloom ...
A: Megan, it is difficult to give you a specific reason for the mid-stem wilt. It could be normal ...
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| Dirt! | 1/11/2008 |
Q: Help! I planted my Cymbidium in dirt - I didn't know. It was a gift and the pot seemed too small, ...
A: Ruby, as long as you don't go heavy on the watering, the plant should be okay for now. As summer ...
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| phaelonopsis | 1/10/2008 |
Q: I have an orchid 18 months old after it first flowered I cut the stem as per instructions to about 1 ...
A: Catherine, the condition you described sounds like root rot. Obtain a small bag of fresh orchid ...
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| phalaenopsis with splitting leaves | 1/10/2008 |
Q: My phal has been in my home doing well for 2 yrs. New leaves, roots, putting up stem with new ...
A: There is a product that your local garden center may be familiar with. It is called "Protek" and it ...
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| yellowing of dendrobiums | 1/9/2008 |
Q: I live in South Florida where the temperature recently went down to 36 degrees. I put many of my ...
A: I doubt that it is due to a virus. More likely, the combination of cold and darkness has caused the ...
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| Orchids | 1/9/2008 |
Q: After blooming, I cut back the orchid just above the next node. What I thought was a new spike is ...
A: Jane, what you have is called a keiki. It is a new plant. Let it grow where it is. It should ...
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| I want to save my Phalaenopsis | 1/3/2008 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis that my husband gave to me on our wedding anniversary. It was very healthy, ...
A: May, it sounds like you have overwatered your plant leading to root rot. It is great that you have ...
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| orchid done blooming, flowers dropped | 12/22/2007 |
Q: one website suggests to cut off the stem 2 inches above the top leaf. I have not found another ...
A: Let me assume that you are talking about a phalaenopsis orchid and that the "stem" to which you ...
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| Phalaenopsis orchid | 12/21/2007 |
Q: Wayne, Leaf spot seen on leaf. Large spot 1 1/2 inch. very zonate with yellow and dark rings. Not ...
A: Tom, The American Orchid Society's Handbook of Orchid Pests and Diseases contains no reference to ...
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| orchid flowers falling off plant b4 blooming | 12/19/2007 |
Q: The flowers are white with purple in the middle. The first flower bloomed for approx 1 week. Since ...
A: Based upon your description I will assume that you have a dendrobium orchid. It is possible that the ...
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| dendrobium orchid | 12/9/2007 |
Q: I received a beautiful dendrobium orchid with several flowering stems that have been blooming for a ...
A: Barbara, undoubtedly, you have a deciduouus dendrobium-- one that loses its leaves as it goes into a ...
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| fallen flowers | 12/6/2007 |
Q: I recently acquired a Brassidium Shooting Star 'Black Gold' orchid about 2 weeks ago and have kept ...
A: Aditi, your plant is undoubtedly fine. If it was in flower when you got it, there is no way to know ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 12/4/2007 |
Q: A month ago I have bought 2 phal. and now Dec. 3 one of them, the flowers are wilting and dying off. ...
A: Susan, thanks for your question. A phalaenopsis individual flower will last about a month, so that ...
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| Pansy orchid flower stems | 12/4/2007 |
Q: I have two Pansy orchids - Miltoniopsis 'Robert Jackson' and 'Newton Falls'. The former I have had ...
A: The pansy orchid flower spike originates in a leaf axil and often is trapped in the leaf axil while ...
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| orchid transplant | 12/4/2007 |
Q: I was given a beautiful white orchid plant on my birthday last March. Wonder of wonders, it lives ...
A: Good morning Lois. Glad to hear we have a budding orchid enthusiast. I will assume that you have a ...
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| Sick Phalaenopsis Orchid | 12/3/2007 |
Q: I have two beautiful phalaenopsis orchids planted in a glass vase with moss which I received as a ...
A: Marisa, it is likely that the "White fluff" is a colony of sucking insects called mealy bugs. I ...
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| holes in phal leaves | 11/30/2007 |
Q: There are white flies around a couple of my phals and two have "chewed" appearances on the backside ...
A: If the white flies are tiny they could be fungus gnats. See if your garden center has Sticky Traps. ...
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| cymbidium | 11/29/2007 |
Q: Is it possable to grow these indoors? If so please explain how to go about it? I live in an ...
A: Cymbidiums require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you were to try to grow one, try a ...
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| phalaenopsis stems have two new plants growing | 11/28/2007 |
Q: My phalaenopsis plant is one year old to me. It has bloomed once (2 flowers) after initial purchase ...
A: You may remove the baby plants without damaging the mother plant. Find the point where the baby ...
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| brand new phal---what do i do? | 11/28/2007 |
Q: Yesterday I received a phal orchid as a gift from a coworker. It came potted with moss in a small ...
A: I think that what you did was helpful to help stabilize the pot and provide an increased humidity ...
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| Wilting/Mushy Orchid leaves | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I have three orchids and all of them have been doing extremely well with new leaves and plenty of ...
A: Sydney, I'm sorry to say that it is likely that your feeling that the phalaenopsis got too cold is ...
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| Paphiopedilum Orchid | 11/24/2007 |
Q: I think it is doing fine it flowered for about 5 months and I cut the stem back. It appears to be ...
A: Vicky, the millipede like thing is likely a mealy bug. This is a sucking insect commonly found on ...
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| Phalaenopis Orchid | 11/19/2007 |
Q: My plant had flowers on it when I received it as a gift. The flowers lasted a long time. When the ...
A: There are nodes on the old flower spike. If you cut the old flower spike above a node so there are ...
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| Orchid flower dying, but leaves Growing. | 11/15/2007 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis orchid. It recently went through some colder temperatures and now the flowers ...
A: Once the flowers start folding, they are done for the flowering season. Flowering spikes will die ...
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| orchid cross | 11/15/2007 |
Q: DO U KNOW THE NAME OF A CROSS BETWEEN LAND OF ENCHANTMENT AND TAYLOR MOORE.THIS IS AN OLD AWARDED ...
A: I have checked both the Wildcatt Data base amd the Sanders List of Orchid hybrids. Apparently you ...
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| phalaenopsis turning yellow | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I received a small (4" pot) phalaenopsis as a gift a year ago. When I got it, it had a spike with ...
A: It is natural for the spike holding the flowers to dry up after flowering-- you may remove the brown ...
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| Holes in Petals? | 11/11/2007 |
Q: Can anyone explain why I have tiny holes in my orchid petals. At this point there are only 3 holes. ...
A: There are a number of products that are effective against thrips. A visit to your nearest garden ...
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| Holes in Petals? | 11/11/2007 |
Q: Can anyone explain why I have tiny holes in my orchid petals. At this point there are only 3 holes. ...
A: The causes are likely either physical such as contact with another object or insects. A tiny insect ...
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| Deep Waters Orchid | 11/10/2007 |
Q: This is a truly great site. I’m so happy that I found it and hope that you can help me out with a ...
A: The overhead lighting probably isn't enough to grow it well. In late winter or early spring when ...
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| dendrobiums | 11/10/2007 |
Q: Howdy. I've become obsessed with orchids, and living in south Florida has allowed me to explore ...
A: For the past 30 years I have spent my vacations in the south of Florida visiting orchid nurseries. ...
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| Deep Waters Orchid | 11/10/2007 |
Q: This is a truly great site. I’m so happy that I found it and hope that you can help me out with a ...
A: Blc Deep Waters is a registered Cattleya orchid that likes a fair amount of light so I would give it ...
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| dendrobiums | 11/9/2007 |
Q: Howdy. I've become obsessed with orchids, and living in south Florida has allowed me to explore ...
A: Diana, coconut fibre or husk does not readily deteriorate as do other orchid potting mixes. It ...
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| ill orchid | 11/4/2007 |
Q: I was reading some of your feedback that has been posted and I would love to hear from you. My ...
A: Jessica, for honoring me with your question. It is likely that the water in the bottom of your ...
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| dendrobium orchids | 11/3/2007 |
Q: I have 2 dendrobium orchids. One is a fragrant variety with small leaves. The leaves, as they grow ...
A: I assume you are talking about the leaves on newly emerged canes from the base of the plant. When ...
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| dying orchids | 11/1/2007 |
Q: i have this orchid that was given to me. it's been 1 year now and it never bloomed. now the leaves ...
A: You will need to determine what type of an orchid you have to get the best advice. You could check ...
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| Severely damaged Phalanopsis | 10/31/2007 |
Q: yesterday, a cherished orchid was blown over by the wind. The "stalk" was broken in half just above ...
A: I would smear sulphur powder (or other antifungal agent) on the open wound just as a preventative ...
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| Severely damaged Phalanopsis | 10/31/2007 |
Q: yesterday, a cherished orchid was blown over by the wind. The "stalk" was broken in half just above ...
A: Ramona, let's first address the plant that was growing on the flower spike. Since that plant has ...
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| Black spots (mold?) on petals | 10/30/2007 |
Q: I just got an orchid for my birthday (which was about a week ago) and a few of the flowers that have ...
A: Belated happy birthday. Chances are pretty good that the grower that you got the plant from got ...
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| orchid trimming | 10/25/2007 |
Q: my orchid keeps growing and I would like to know if I can trim it in some way that won't kill it. ...
A: Each of the pseudobulbs is connected to one or more other pseudobulbs. You need to find that ...
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| Miniature orchid | 10/25/2007 |
Q: My friend had a teen-tiny orchid plant that grew on a stick about the size of a tongue depressor. ...
A: These are called twig epiphytes or equitant oncidiums or tolumnias. The are difficult to grow for ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I have had the orchid now for about a month and it was healthy and flowering when I bought it but ...
A: Rebecca, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. In my experience, most newly acquired ...
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| blue green spots on phalaenopsis lower leaves | 10/23/2007 |
Q: I got the orchid when I had quad bypass surgery in May and have carefully cared for it as the ...
A: See if you can rub off the spots with a mild soap and cloth. If you can't remove them this way, ...
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| Phalaenopsi Orchid | 10/22/2007 |
Q: I received a Phalaenopsis Orchid a couple of weeks ago and i make i water it and put on the same ...
A: Lissette, Phalaenopsis orchids rebloom annually so don't expect it to rebloom until next year at ...
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| mealy bugs | 10/22/2007 |
Q: Will my Phalaenopsis recover after a mealy bug attack? I first killed them with a cotton bud full ...
A: Marion, at this point you seem to have done what I would have advised. Assuming you have some good ...
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| roots on mini cattleya are rotten | 10/19/2007 |
Q: I bought an Amethyst minicatt three weeks ago from a reputable outlet. It looked fine when it ...
A: Nancy, it is unlikely that all of this root rot ocurred in three weeks. The potting mix was ...
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| is it dying or just natural? | 10/18/2007 |
Q: i bought my orchid plat from Costco, i dont know what type it is( it has white flowers with purple ...
A: Miranda, you need to repot your plant. This is a perfect time to repot since you have a new leaf ...
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| phalenopsis | 10/17/2007 |
Q: my phalenopsis is growing a leaf about 12" above the actual leaves this is the last place it ...
A: Jill, you will need to wait until you have new root growth at the base of this leaf. What you have ...
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| cymbidium care | 10/16/2007 |
Q: When should I cut the spikes on my cymbidum orchid? Will new spikes appear? The the blooms fell of ...
A: You may cut the spikes from a Cymbidium as soon as it is done flowering. It is normal for spikes to ...
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| New to Orchids | 10/15/2007 |
Q: I am new to growing Orchids and I am not sure it part of the orchids life circle for it to lose its' ...
A: For purposes of my response, I am assuming that you have a phalaenopsis orchid which is the most ...
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| replanting a Miltassia, C. M. Fitch 'Izumi' | 10/15/2007 |
Q: my plant has a spike right now. It is growing horizontally in both directions extending roots out ...
A: Congratulations on growing your plant so well. I would cut the plant in the middle so you have two ...
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| Oncidium sweet sugar | 10/9/2007 |
Q: Just bought this Oncidium sweet sugar and I'm not sure if the green foliage should be sticking out ...
A: The green foliage should not be in the potting mix. The foliage originates at the top of the ...
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| Dendrobium browning stem | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I cut the flower stem spike of my Dendrobium Orchid after it finished blooming. I cut it above ...
A: If it is only one of a number of canes, you may be able to save the plant. You need to cut the cane ...
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| Dendrobium browning stem | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I cut the flower stem spike of my Dendrobium Orchid after it finished blooming. I cut it above ...
A: Dendrobiums grow on canes. However, when they flower, they flower from what are called flower ...
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| dendrobium orchid seed sowing | 10/8/2007 |
Q: I pollinated denrobium orchid on 15th september and i have a seed pod now. I wanted to sow this by ...
A: If you wish to attempt this by yourself, you will need to get a number of supplies. You will need ...
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| Brassavola brown tips on new shoots | 10/6/2007 |
Q: I split my brassavola yellow bird about 1 year ago into 3 plants. They are all growing new leaves ...
A: Usually, browning leaf tips is a sign of salt build up in the potting mix. One cause can be the use ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 10/5/2007 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis orchid (white) that has been thriving for several years now, flowers very ...
A: This is normal. You may want to just cut off the old flower spike. I presume the new leaf growth ...
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| dendrobium orchid seed sowing | 10/5/2007 |
Q: I pollinated denrobium orchid on 15th september and i have a seed pod now. I wanted to sow this by ...
A: Hemali, before sterile techniques came into use people would sow the seeds on top of the orchid mix ...
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| Orchids flowers falling off quickly | 10/5/2007 |
Q: I recently got a Beallara Hawaiian Glacier 'Queen Anne' (Mericlone) orchid. It had a few flowers ...
A: It sounds as if your temperature, light, watering frequency, and the growing medium are fine. ...
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| planting of palaenopsis orchid | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I have use to plant the palaenopsis orchids using synthetic form board coated with cement and in ...
A: I recommend that you use plastic pots for your phalaenopsis. Charcoal and coconut husk shoud be ...
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| Best medium for Brassia Rex | 9/28/2007 |
Q: I read your Q&A concerning crimped leaves on Brassia, and am wondering if I have them in the right ...
A: The mix should be OK depending upon the proportions. Less than half of the mix should be fir bark. ...
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| leaf problem on dendrobium | 9/25/2007 |
Q: Wayne, I have a dendrobium "Cleopatra" that is now blooming with beautiful purple blooms. the plant ...
A: My guess is that you have a fungus producing the leaf spot. To prevent this from potentially ...
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| Rex Orchid - Crimped New Leaves | 9/25/2007 |
Q: I have a beautiful orchid that appears healthy (it's growing, good color,etc.) except that the new ...
A: The orchid you have is undoubtedly Brassia Rex and is a thin leaved orchid. The crimping is not due ...
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| phal orchid new roots? | 9/6/2007 |
Q: I am a beginner with orchids, but I received a phal white orchid a few months ago. The flowers ...
A: Cutting the flower spike back after it has finished flowering is OK. Normally, Phalaenopsis flower ...
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| moth orchid | 9/6/2007 |
Q: I have a moth orchid which has flowered twice.After the end of the last flowers the leaves ...
A: If I understand you correctly, your phalaenopsis has no leaves but has new flower spikes emerging. ...
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| Dendrobium orchid | 9/3/2007 |
Q: Several months ago I "rescued" a dendrobium orchid plant at a local supermarket where it was with ...
A: Either this is not a registered hybrid (sometimes a hybridizer doesn't want to pay a registration ...
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| Orchid plant | 8/31/2007 |
Q: My mother has an orchid (phalaenopsis) plant which bloomed beautifully when she first received it. ...
A: The gray colored extensions are roots. Do not cut them or the plant will suffer. You may repot the ...
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| dying orchid | 8/30/2007 |
Q: ANSWER: Hi Jade. I'm going to assume that you have a phalaenopisis orchid so my response will be ...
A: I'm beginning to think that my assumption that your orchid is a phalaenopsis orchid may not be true. ...
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| Faded Orchid | 8/30/2007 |
Q: I purchased a supermarket orchid and it was blossomed and lovely, went out for one day and the heat ...
A: The answer will differ depending upon the type of orchid. Supermarket orchids are usually either ...
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| dying orchid | 8/29/2007 |
Q: hi i live in yorkshire england and my boyfriend bought me an orchid from a supermarket for my 21st ...
A: I'm going to assume that you have a phalaenopisis orchid so my response will be based on that type ...
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| ) | 8/28/2007 |
Q: Can sun tunnels (like sky lights) provide enough light for my Phals to bloom (eastern exposure with ...
A: I have googled Msstec and found a picture of your instrument. The company is located in Hong Kong. ...
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| Orchid Care | 8/26/2007 |
Q: What would cause phalaenopsis flower stems to turn black and wilt before producing buds? These are ...
A: My first thought is to check the plant for root rot. Poor roots can be at the source of many ...
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| sun tunnels and orchids | 8/25/2007 |
Q: Can sun tunnels (like sky lights) provide enough light for my Phals to bloom (eastern exposure with ...
A: Yes, there is something we are missing here about your meter. If you still have the literature that ...
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| Care after repotting | 8/25/2007 |
Q: 1. I have recently repotted two phals into bark. Two orchid books say to "place recently repotted ...
A: I would go with your first instinct. Never argue with success. Since Phals, unlike many orchids, ...
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| sun tunnels and orchids | 8/25/2007 |
Q: Can sun tunnels (like sky lights) provide enough light for my Phals to bloom (eastern exposure with ...
A: You have the right idea. My expectations, however, is that I would have seen something closer to 060 ...
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| Drooping leaves Dendrobium | 8/24/2007 |
Q: King, My Dendrobium was growing quite well this summer, until the latest set of leaves emerged. ...
A: The plant food in question is probably that formulated at the University of Michigan. It is ...
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| orchid growth | 8/21/2007 |
Q: My orchid has two shoots, one with a bloom on it. Now there is a leaf sprouting out from next to the ...
A: This is a new plant and, once it has root growth, you can separate it from the flower spike it is ...
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| divide the phal | 8/20/2007 |
Q: I have a phal that appears to have split into two plants at the base and has a keiki on one of its ...
A: If you truly have two plants, when you unpot them, they should be easy to separate without cutting ...
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| vanilla repot | 8/20/2007 |
Q: Howdy Wayne, I have a vanilla orchid that I got from madagascar as cuttings about four years ago. ...
A: Michael; Don't look for your vanilla orchid to bloom anytime soon. Greenhouse grown vanilla grow ...
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| after blooms are done | 8/18/2007 |
Q: My Mothers day orchid has bloomed all this time, now the blooms are dropping off. what do i do next? ...
A: The most important thing to do at this point is to repot the plant in fresh orchid potting mix. ...
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| Cymbidium Orchid Brown Leaves and Spots | 7/17/2007 |
Q: What causes the brown spots on the leaf growth to turn brown? Can this orchid be saved?
A: Most likely this is a fungus. This is a very common affliction of cymbidiums. You should use a ...
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| orchid health | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I purchased my 1st phal with 4 full flowers 2 weeks ago wehen I repotted it from its small plastic ...
A: Phalaenopsis flowers generally last 2-4 weeks. Generally, you should have waited to repot the plant ...
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| shriveling phalaenopsis | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I purchased my orchid in April, with two flowers. I repotted with an orchid mix in a 4" clay pot and ...
A: From your description, it sounds as if your plant is fine. Phalaenopsis flowers, on average, last ...
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| Phalaenopsis/leaves | 7/14/2007 |
Q: I had an orchid plant that was sick. The leaves were dark green and had some rotted roots in a moss ...
A: Sounds good on the light and temperature. There is nothing that can reverse the effect of a damaged ...
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| DYING ORCHID | 7/13/2007 |
Q: I know my orchid is dying because while I was on vacation It got really hot in my house for 6 days ...
A: I assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid which is the most common type. You need to pull your ...
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| reblooming | 7/12/2007 |
Q: My orchid lost all of it's blooms. The are still two large green leaves and one small new leaf. Is ...
A: At this point, you should encourage the plant to grow leaves. If it is a strong, healthy plant next ...
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| Keiki has no roots | 7/12/2007 |
Q: My orchid has had a keiki on it for at least 9 months and it still has no roots. It is well ...
A: The plant is in flowering mode and the hormones present at this time are promoting flower formation ...
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| Phalaenopsis/leaves | 7/12/2007 |
Q: I had an orchid plant that was sick. The leaves were dark green and had some rotted roots in a moss ...
A: There is still some hope to save the plant but that is not a sure thing because it is so weak. They ...
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| Wilted Flowers | 7/9/2007 |
Q: I brought my first phaleopnsis orchid about a month ago. I placed it by a window and watered it ...
A: It is natural for the flower spikes to die back after blooming. The temperature may have shortened ...
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| leaf drop | 7/8/2007 |
Q: i have a small collection of orchids ranging from aspasia , epidendrum stanhopea dockrillia ...
A: All of the species you referenced have two things in common: they are plicate (ie thin) leaved and ...
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| Wilting flowers | 7/8/2007 |
Q: I was recently given a really beautiful orchid, i think it is a miltoniopsis (or miltonia? i'm not ...
A: These hybrids come from species native to the high elevations of Colombia. They want temperatures ...
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| orchid's moss not drying out, leaf yellow, flowers falling off | 7/8/2007 |
Q: I just bought my orchid a month ago. It has huge floppy leaves. It has moss as the soil. When I ...
A: I do not recommend growing orchids in moss. Moss tends to compact over time, reducing air flow to ...
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| RE: dendroium prarvit | 7/8/2007 |
Q: My dendrobium pravit has recently experienced new growth. A new can shot up within the last 2 months ...
A: There is no registered hybrid or species by the name of pravit. On many labels, a name is often ...
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| phalaenopsis | 7/7/2007 |
Q: My flowers are dying - what do I do to try and keep my plant alive and maybe bloom again. It has ...
A: it is normal for the flowers to die. Do you know the name of your Phal? Where are you keeping ...
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| save my Phal!!! | 7/6/2007 |
Q: I am a new owner of a gorgeous phal, but have experienced a bad week with my plant. I started out ...
A: You can cut the old flower spike off at the base near where it joins the leaves. It will not ...
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| Phalaenopis | 7/5/2007 |
Q: I am a newbie, just had my first plant finish blooming and repotted the plant (used all new medium ...
A: It is not unusual for an old leaf to turn yellow and eventually dehisce (ie fall off). I hope you ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 7/3/2007 |
Q: someone gave me a large basket with six phal orchids with long spikes and beautiful flowers. A well ...
A: Watering is never a problem unless the potting mix is degraded. You need to repot each plant ...
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| phalenopsis replant question | 7/3/2007 |
Q: i have a very basic white phal... i forget how to spell that...orchid. there are three flowers and ...
A: The wilting of your flowers is likely normal as a phalaenopsis individual flower will last for 2-4 ...
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| Dendrobium Burana White Orchid | 6/30/2007 |
Q: I bought this Dendrobium Burana White Orchid and it had one "stem" that had flowers growing out of ...
A: It is OK to cut the flower spike from a cane as long as you don't actually cut the cane. Normally, ...
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| Oncidium Blooms | 6/29/2007 |
Q: I have oncidium wildcat "yellow butterfly". It has sent up 3 new bloom stalks between 2 to to 3 ...
A: You are impatient. The next event should be a branching of the bloom spikes. After that, the ...
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| Orchid, all flowers fell off | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I received a healthy Phal Orchid plant 5 weeks ago and it had six flowers. I didn't notice if there ...
A: It is not unusual for the flower spike on a phal to dry and die back. You will notice that there ...
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| Phal orchid troubles | 6/25/2007 |
Q: I received a healthy, big phal orchid as a gift about two months ago. It had two stalks with ...
A: I do have a suggestion. From your description, there is a good chance that your plant has the start ...
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| Phalaenopsis orchid | 6/25/2007 |
Q: I received a phalaenopsis orchid in March, which bloomed for a few months, and then the flowers fell ...
A: Abby, on some types of phalaenopsis, the flower spike will turn brown and die. That is normal and ...
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| watering orchids | 6/24/2007 |
Q: do I continue to water after the blooms have fallen off and do I need to fertilize if so, when?
A: The key to watering is to have fresh orchid potting mix. With a fresh orchid poting mix you can ...
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| orchids reblooming | 6/24/2007 |
Q: how many times will an orchid plant bloom? I received my first orchid as a gift for Mother's day ...
A: Maryann, I assume you have a phalaenopsis orchid-- the most common type. If the old flower spike ...
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| Sophronitis coccinea seedling | 6/24/2007 |
Q: i have Sophronitis coccinea seedling about one and half years . right from flask i wired them ...
A: Cohen, the answer is yes. Orchids, in general, when seedlings, grow vey slowly which is why they ...
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| any help for my sick orchid | 6/22/2007 |
Q: I bought(or should I say rescued) an phalaenopsis orchid from lowe's the other day . Ii was out on ...
A: My first suggestion is to but a bag of orchid potting mix at Lowes or another garden center. Then ...
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| brown spots on leaves | 6/21/2007 |
Q: A beautiful and prolific bloomer, my brassia is starting to develop brown spots on some leaves. The ...
A: This is a fairly common problem with Brassia. It is either sunburn or a fungus. If sunburn, you ...
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| Orchid with wilting leaves | 6/19/2007 |
Q: I bought an orchid 6 months ago (in NZ summer) and it was doing well in the position I had it ...
A: Jody, it does make a difference the type of orchid you have. My guesses are that it is either a ...
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| No Flowers | 6/19/2007 |
Q: Wayne. I have an orchid. I don't know what type, but www.claycentre.com/pics/orchids10.jpg will ...
A: Hanna, you have a phalaenopsis orchid, commonly called a moth orchid. It is the type of orchid that ...
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| Making Orchids Bloom | 6/19/2007 |
Q: I have had two orchids for about three years now. They bloomed beautifully the first year. ...
A: For purposes of this response, I will assume they are phalaenopsis orchids. They may require more ...
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| Dendrobiums | 6/14/2007 |
Q: Had someone give me two plants, roots all white and firm all the stakes look like old sticks but ...
A: I would not remove the canes that turn brown until such time as they collapse (ie they will collapse ...
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| yellow leaves on Phal | 6/1/2007 |
Q: I have a phal with five leaves. The bottom two are starting to shrivel and one is also turning ...
A: Wait until its done blooming and repot completely. A good potting mix contains fir bark plus ...
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| yellow leaves on Phal | 6/1/2007 |
Q: I have a phal with five leaves. The bottom two are starting to shrivel and one is also turning ...
A: You may remove the bad leaves as they now have limited ability to contribute to the health of the ...
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| orchids | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I want to move my dembrodiums, catalayas, and oncidiums from the house to outdoors. I've decided ...
A: Putting them outside is ok and long as you follow certain precautions. One concern is slug and ...
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| Mold - please help! | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I own about six orchid plants - all of them have lost their petals except for one a "phalaenopsis - ...
A: That is not white mold Vanessa. It is a sucking insect called a Mealy bug and will readily spread ...
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| sick cymbidium ? | 5/29/2007 |
Q: I have recently been gifted a Large ( over 3 foot tall) orchid, it came with only a small label ...
A: Mindy, it certainly sounds like what is called a standard cymbidium. These large standard cymbidiums ...
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| Dying (?) Orchid | 5/29/2007 |
Q: please help! Here's my problem - I received an orchid as a gift, the pot states that it's a ...
A: Let's first see if we can determine which type of an orchid you have. Cymbidiums have grass-like ...
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| Help!!!! | 5/29/2007 |
Q: I live in Utah and the weather here is all over the place.My poor plant was doing just fine but now ...
A: For the purpose of this response, I'm going to assume that your orchid is a phalaenopsis or moth ...
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| Dying orchids | 5/29/2007 |
Q: Me and my boyfriend have orchids and they have fully bloomed and the blooms have fell off, I ...
A: There are many types of orchids and each may have somewhat different requirements. The most ...
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| Phal. roots | 5/29/2007 |
Q: I have been reading lots of your previous questions and answers. Very informative! Now I have a ...
A: First, congratulations on well grown plants. It sounds as if you are doing all of the right things. ...
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| Dying orchids | 5/28/2007 |
Q: Me and my boyfriend have orchids and they have fully bloomed and the blooms have fell off, I ...
A: In nature most tropical orchids grow with their roots exposed to the air. The kind that we grow in ...
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| Dying orchids | 5/28/2007 |
Q: Me and my boyfriend have orchids and they have fully bloomed and the blooms have fell off, I ...
A: It is natural for the flower spikes to turn brown and die. These can be cut off at the base where ...
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| orientation of phalaenopsis during growing period | 5/28/2007 |
Q: My question is about phalaenopsis growing in the UK. Its growth spell has just started and a new ...
A: You can turn the pot until the spike gets to be a few inches long without any problem. It's worth a ...
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| orientation of phalaenopsis during growing period | 5/28/2007 |
Q: My question is about phalaenopsis growing in the UK. Its growth spell has just started and a new ...
A: Your description should suffice for now. It is likely that your flower spike's growth is horizontal ...
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| lady slipper | 5/27/2007 |
Q: Hello - I found a flower wich looks like a lady slipper = but was told it was not and is rare look ...
A: It is next to impossible to hazzard a reasonable guess without knowing where you are located, the ...
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| Leaves falling off | 5/27/2007 |
Q: I have had two orchids for over four months and they were doing fine until a few weeks ago. A leaf ...
A: There are generally two causes. One is an insect infestation such as scale. This might be present ...
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| My Phal | 5/25/2007 |
Q: I recently acquired a phal. Since I got it, two new flowers and a new bud. Leaves look great except ...
A: Cheryl, see if the "hard dots" come off with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol. If so, these are scale ...
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| My Phal | 5/25/2007 |
Q: I recently acquired a phal. Since I got it, two new flowers and a new bud. Leaves look great except ...
A: It doesn't sound like something caused by an insect or virus. Generally, coloration toward the ...
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| orchid has lost flowers ,, now what?? | 5/23/2007 |
Q: i bought two orchids from a store here close to where i live in knoxville tn witch is zone 7 if that ...
A: Orchids are annual bloomers. Now, the thing to do is keep the plant healthy and happy and putting ...
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| how do i revive my orchid? | 5/22/2007 |
Q: i recently got a beautiful orchid, but only after a week, the flowers fell off. i tried watering it ...
A: I assume that you got the plant in flower. It is difficult to know how long the plant had been in ...
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| spots on orchid bark | 5/15/2007 |
Q: I live in Budapest Hungary. I bought a phalenopsis orchid 3 months ago from an orchid seller. It has ...
A: I'll try to addresss your concern and raise one or two of my own and then you can send followup ...
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| Dendrobium | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I reside along the east coast of Virginia (away from the water) and want to place potted dendrobiums ...
A: By active growth I meant the emergence of one of more new canes from the base. Keikis can develop ...
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| Dendrobium | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I reside along the east coast of Virginia (away from the water) and want to place potted dendrobiums ...
A: You are right that they need more light to flower. Introduce them to the higher outside light ...
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| Phal. Orchid Terri Henderson | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I bought several orchids in February. They have been blooming ever since, one of them however seems ...
A: Sorry that you apparently did not receive my earlier answer to this question. I may not have ...
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| miltonia | 5/6/2007 |
Q: I have bought my first Miltonia plant. It had some beautiful flowers but now I am getting buds that ...
A: To help me give you the best advice, you will need to answer the following questions: 1) How long ...
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| identifying plant | 5/6/2007 |
Q: Do you know the name of a plant growing from elbow in tree - has air roots, small red orchid-like ...
A: There was no picture accompanying your question. What is the location of this plant? Florida? ...
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| squirrels are attacking! | 4/22/2007 |
Q: Squirrels are relentlessly attacking my orchid plant! Our balcony (the only practical outdoor place ...
A: On the chewed upon pseudobulbs, it depends upon how severe the wounds are. The new growing eyes are ...
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| squirrels are attacking! | 4/21/2007 |
Q: Squirrels are relentlessly attacking my orchid plant! Our balcony (the only practical outdoor place ...
A: You could cage it so that the squirrels couldn't move the cage. This is the same method used to ...
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| Dying stem | 4/19/2007 |
Q: I have a white phalaenopsis that was given to me in partial bloom. After a few weeks, the tip of ...
A: Do not be concerned about the dying spike Kelly. It is the natural habit of some phalaenopsis for ...
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| will the orchid survive? | 4/19/2007 |
Q: I gave allot of thought to the purchase of a beautiful orchid to my partner on her birthday, however ...
A: Yes, I would like to see any imaqes you can send. I don't think this web site is designed for ...
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| non-flowering orchids | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I'm doing SOMETHING wrong!!! I get the orchids to live, not to flower... I feed them weakly, weekly.
A: Two suggestions: increase the light level the plant gets and switch to a plant food that has a ...
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| dendrobium going downhill | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I had a happy dendrobium for four or five years. Last July I went on vacation as it was sending up ...
A: I think the viral explanation is unlikely because there would need to be a source for the virus (ie ...
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| will the orchid survive? | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I gave allot of thought to the purchase of a beautiful orchid to my partner on her birthday, however ...
A: That's fine Dale. The root hairs will not decompose. The sheath serves a very useful function and ...
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| Blooms dying | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis orchid that I keep in the bathroom that has been doing very well. The blooms ...
A: Wayne is out for the afternoon as soon as he arrives I will ask him to look at your followup ...
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| will the orchid survive? | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I gave allot of thought to the purchase of a beautiful orchid to my partner on her birthday, however ...
A: Dale, I'm going to assume that you have a dendrobium orchid although the advice would not be much ...
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| Blooms dying | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis orchid that I keep in the bathroom that has been doing very well. The blooms ...
A: Good description of your plant's situation. My first advice is to repot the orchid. You can get a ...
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| dendrobium going downhill | 4/14/2007 |
Q: I had a happy dendrobium for four or five years. Last July I went on vacation as it was sending up ...
A: You can leave it as repotted but tamp the new potting mix down as hard as you can all the way around ...
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| phaleanopsis care | 4/14/2007 |
Q: I recieved my very first phaleanopsis orchid plant on Valentine's Day this year and I am afraid I'm ...
A: Definitely repot it in an orchid potting mix. Make sure you cllean the orchid roots and check for ...
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| dendrobium going downhill | 4/13/2007 |
Q: I had a happy dendrobium for four or five years. Last July I went on vacation as it was sending up ...
A: The plant should be entering a new growth period as summer approaches so you want to do all you can ...
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| phalaenopsis - leaves feel veiny and soggy | 4/11/2007 |
Q: my orchid was not blooming and had dark green leaves. Then i moved it by the window but i think it ...
A: I would guess that many of the roots down in the potting mix are rotting from a potting mix that ...
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| My orchid was doing so well then it flopped. | 4/11/2007 |
Q: My orchid was doing well. I watered it regularly and switched it to a self watering pot. It had ...
A: If you changed its environment while it was in bud, that could have led to bud drop. They like the ...
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| cutting stems after blooming | 4/8/2007 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis orchid. All the blooms have fallen off and Im ready to cut the stem. My ...
A: Technically, it doesn't matter. Let me explain. Phalaenopsis spikes are of two types: 1) the type ...
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| Phalaenopsis culture in hot and humid climates like India | 4/6/2007 |
Q: I have recently purchased some 30 phalaenopsis plants from a dealer of Anthura, Neitherland in ...
A: I suspect that the plants are being grown too bright. If possible, expose them to only early ...
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| orchid dying! | 4/6/2007 |
Q: My orchid's flowers reciently fell off and the stalk dyed, most of the roots are fine and I ...
A: Orchid flower spikes naturally and normally die back. As long as you have healthy roots and leaves, ...
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| unhappy paphio.. | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I live in Tulsa, OK. I received a paphio "pinocchio"for my b-day, 5 years ago. It was blooming at ...
A: The new growths are small due to a loss of root mass. Pull it out of its pot and remove any "mushy" ...
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| cymbidium flower changing colors | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I've just recently gotten into cymbidiums. I have a colleague at work who told me that if you keep ...
A: I am not familiar with this claim. Any difference in coloring due to close proximity to other ...
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| Vanda-Healthy roots? | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I live in SW Florida and my Vandas used to have green tipped roots, but they have turned brown. ...
A: If you grow them outside they may have gotten too cool during some nights. On the other hand, ...
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| new phal orchid blooms wilting | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I just bought two potted phal (can't remember how to spell the rest of it) orchids that are ...
A: If those flowers that have wilted had been open for some time, it is likely that this is just part ...
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| white bugs in orchid bark | 4/3/2007 |
Q: There are small white bugs in my orchid pot and I can't seem to find any information on what kind of ...
A: Without a description I would be taking a shot in the dark, but here goes. Assuming it is not a ...
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| wilted, wrinkled leaves on phalenopsis | 4/1/2007 |
Q: I have a miniature phalenopsis and the blooms have wilted very quickly, please help. Also, on ...
A: The usual reason for the condition you have described is root rot. I would unpot any orchid with ...
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| Brassia repoting | 3/31/2007 |
Q: I have a Brassia signata(mexicana) plant is growing out of pot and sm. white roots are ...
A: If you repot, the best time to repot is when you have new growths coming. You have some choices, ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 3/31/2007 |
Q: The last two leaves to grow on my Phalaenopsis orchid are split down the middle from the tip. Now ...
A: Laura, you are right in your realization that the plant is not getting enough light. You need to ...
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| white mold on orchid leaves | 3/30/2007 |
Q: Wayne, Please help. I have white mold on my phalaenopsis orchid. The stems and flower buds are ...
A: Ann, the white "mold" is a type of insect called a mealy bug.The mealy bug is a sucking insect, ...
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| Miltonia orchid | 3/28/2007 |
Q: I just bought this orchid and I'm having a problem. I am starting to get some dark brown spots up on ...
A: It could be sunburn if it gets exposed to sunlight. This would be the case also if spotting is not ...
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| Repotting orchids | 3/24/2007 |
Q: On one of my orchids that I've had for several years, and that had bloomed every year and is ...
A: I believe that you should repot now. When you wash all of the old mix off from the roots, I think ...
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| orchid help | 3/24/2007 |
Q: my husband bought me an orchid for mothers day last year.i cut it back an put it away for the ...
A: Brandy, if this was a phalaenopsis orchid, you may have lost it as they grow year around. They grow ...
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| Strange nodes and slimy film on orchid leaves no blooms for 8 mnths. | 3/24/2007 |
Q: Wayne, Our orchid hasn't rebloomed in 8 months. The underside of the leaves has these small ...
A: From your description, the slimy film is likely from a snail or slug. The bumps may be a scale ...
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| help!!! | 3/21/2007 |
Q: my boyfriend recently bought me a gorgeous orchid plant. i know that they can be kinda tricky to ...
A: I assume that your orchid plant is a phalaenopsis orchid. Yes, it is normal for the old flower ...
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| miniature phal confusion | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I'm confused about the term "miniature phalaenopsis". If one is listed as miniature, does that mean ...
A: It's not surprising that you're confused. I don't think there is agreement, but I think a concensus ...
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| Phalaenopsis - correct lighting? | 3/21/2007 |
Q: Over the winter, I put my phal on the windowsill and it did fine. With the weather clearing up and ...
A: I recommend that phalaenopsis be grown in an east window where they get the morning sun. Halogen ...
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| Orchid propagation | 3/17/2007 |
Q: I have a 13 yr old Phalaenopsis. After flowering, I did not remove the spike. A pair of leaves has ...
A: Those leaves will be followed by root growth. When the roots are about an inch in length you may ...
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| no flowers | 3/12/2007 |
Q: My mother purchased some orchids a few years ago. When she bought the plants the had beautiful ...
A: I'm going to assume that she has phalaenopsis orchids. Many people are not aware that orchids ...
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| new plant from stem. | 3/8/2007 |
Q: i dont know much about orchids, but last year i was given a beautiful phalaenopis orchid plant. the ...
A: The growth of a new plant at a node on the old flower spike is not unusual in phalaenopsis. Yours ...
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| caring for Aerangis citrata | 3/8/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased a lovely mini orchid at the Philly Flower Show, but am not seeing any ...
A: Aerangis citrata certainly is a lovely little orchid. Being a species, it will be a bit challenging ...
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| Building an orchid case | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I am planning to convert several of my aquariums into orchid cases. I plan to build a 'hood' which ...
A: One caution I have for you is not to go "whole hog" and do a massive conversion to terrariums. I ...
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| Phalaenopsis problem | 2/13/2007 |
Q: I have a Phal that lost all but 1 leaf at the onset of cold weather. It has been kept at the office ...
A: IF you have healthy roots and healthy tissue at the base of the point where the leaf was attached to ...
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| Phal | 2/13/2007 |
Q: I bought a phal about 3 years ago, it had nice huge blooms the first year, then the next year, the ...
A: You're not doing anything wrong as long as the plant is also growing larger with more and larger ...
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| common orchid | 1/23/2007 |
Q: I bought an orchid a couple of years ago--at Lowe's. When the blossoms were finished I cut their ...
A: The answer to your first question is "yes". Here are some suggestions to answer your second ...
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| common orchid | 1/22/2007 |
Q: I bought an orchid a couple of years ago--at Lowe's. When the blossoms were finished I cut their ...
A: The answer to your first question is "yes". Here are some suggestions to answer your second ...
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| Cane Orchid | 1/20/2007 |
Q: My stepmother was recently given a cane orchid. We have no idea how to take care of it. I was just ...
A: Orchids that have canes have a resting period during which they put out no new growth. If you water ...
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| humidity | 1/13/2007 |
Q: since the weather has been so cold here and my orchids now reside inside one of the bedrooms, is ...
A: You can use a humidity tray. There are commercially made trays that have a grid over a flat tray. ...
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| slipper orchids | 1/9/2007 |
Q: when do I have the funeral? The leaves are still green and it looks like all the roots but one are ...
A: I have had slipper orchids with only one root make a comback with new root growth. I never write ...
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| slipper orchids | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I have had great success with most of my orchids except the slipper orchids. The ones that look ...
A: Root rot is very common in the slipper orchids. They need to be repotted every year to prevent the ...
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| Donkey orchids | 1/8/2007 |
Q: I live in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia and have been given 2 Donkey Orchids and do not know where to ...
A: You can find informatiom about this orchid at www.myorchids.de/diuris1.htm. Note particularly that ...
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| Cymbidium Orchid spike broke | 1/6/2007 |
Q: I have two questions! The spike on my cymbidium orchid snapped about three inches below the lowest ...
A: You can trim the spike as close to its orgins as possible and treat it as any other cut flower, ...
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| Disease?? | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I have a orchid plant that has developed small brown round growths under the leaves.The plant seens ...
A: My best guess is that you have a brown scale infestation. To test this hypothesis, take a Q-tip and ...
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| Charkuan Pink orchid | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I have recently purchased an orchid labeled Charkuan Pink. It appears to be a Vanda (the monopodial ...
A: Your plant is undoubtedy Mokra Chark Kuan and the flower color is pink. This is a multigeneric ...
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| The Spikes on my Orchid have died | 12/18/2006 |
Q: This past summer my orchid was very successful in yielding a lot of flowers for the second year in a ...
A: I assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid. If not, my answer could be different. These plants ...
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| orchids | 12/13/2006 |
Q: what kind of clybidium orchids will grow and bloom in hot Texas heat?
A: At lower altitudes, Cymbidiums can be grown at temperatures from 32 - 105 degrees. Water frequently ...
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| White bugs in pot of orchid | 12/11/2006 |
Q: I have noticed that there are tiny white bugs in amongst the soil etc of my orchid. Is this OK or ...
A: Your orchid plant needs repotting. Find a garden center that carries orchid potting mix. Soak the ...
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| phalenopsis orchid | 12/11/2006 |
Q: I was given a phalenopsis orchid which has leaves quite yellow in comparison with the ones i grow. ...
A: The normal flowering time for most phalaenopsis is between now and next May so there is a very good ...
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| Dendrobium disease | 12/9/2006 |
Q: I have a white coating on almost all my dendrobiums (not affecting other types of orchids in my ...
A: It could be mealy bug. If so, they may have been brought in on one or more of the dendrobiums. You ...
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| roots in glass pot | 12/8/2006 |
Q: Wow, great site and great infor. I have a phalaenopsis orchid, currently in clay pot. It has lots of ...
A: Actually Lee, the roots on an orchid are photosynthetic and many pots for orchids are specifically ...
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| creating-breeding ownorchid | 12/6/2006 |
Q: I do not think i could do that.And it`s one more question. How to do orchid stem propagation. Is it ...
A: With regard to your followup question, the process is even more complex as the stem needs to be ...
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| Orchid root rot while in bloom | 12/4/2006 |
Q: I received 2 months ago for my birthday a huge purple, what I believe to be, phalaenopsis orchid. ...
A: Sounds like you are moving in the right direction in saving your plant. Several additional ...
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| Unknown type of Dendrobium | 12/3/2006 |
Q: Is there anything else that will indicate which one? The leaves are narrow and only about 3" to 5" ...
A: I think I know the type of denrobium you are referring to. They are mass marketed in many places ...
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| cross breed orchids | 12/2/2006 |
Q: How do one identify the sexual part of a orchid.Can you show a picture of it.Thanks
A: If you can identify the type of orchid, I might be able to send a picture. In general, orchids have ...
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| Unknown type of Dendrobium | 12/1/2006 |
Q: I have been given a Dendrobium Orchid but do not know which type it is, as there is no other name on ...
A: From your description, you have a either a phalaenopsis type of dendrobium or a New Guinea type-- ...
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| vanda's | 11/30/2006 |
Q: I have several vanda's. I water every morning and keep them (since it's winter) under a floresent ...
A: Humidity is down in the winter so I would shut off the fan as this tends to dry the plants unduly. ...
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| cymbidium compost | 11/29/2006 |
Q: I found the compost (fine bark) of the cymbidium is strange. it has while fir stuff grow in the ...
A: The white growth in the pot is a type of mold. It suggests that the potting mix is staying too wet ...
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| Re-blooming and Leaf Care | 11/29/2006 |
Q: I have several orchids in the home - 3 Phalaenopsis, 3 Oncidiums, 2 Brassia Intergeneric, 1 ...
A: Annual repotting of your orchids in an orchid bark mix is the best way to ensure that they stay ...
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| Phal orchid | 11/29/2006 |
Q: Mr. King, I have a beautiful, frequent blooming phal. It seems to have grown a "baby" from the ...
A: Congratulations on your growing success. I recommend separating the baby (also called a keiki) when ...
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| Phal Orchid - droopy leaves and wrinkled Leaves | 11/26/2006 |
Q: Just one more little point...I had purchased the below mentioned orchid about three weeks ago and it ...
A: It takes quite some time for root rot to set in. It sounds as if it has and you need to remove the ...
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| Phal Orchid - droopy leaves and wrinkled Leaves | 11/26/2006 |
Q: I have purchased quite a few orchids over the years and here is what happens: The leaves start to ...
A: My best guess is that you have not repotted your plants in an orchid potting mix. The result is ...
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| Miltassia C.M. Fitch 'Izumi' AM/AOS | 11/25/2006 |
Q: Greetings, I have just received an orchid that looks like it came with the name of Miltassia C.M. ...
A: Miltassia denotes that this is a hybrid made from the genera Miltonia and Brassia. The Miltonia ...
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| Orchids | 11/25/2006 |
Q: I have two orchid plants that I've been relatively successful with for the past couple of years, but ...
A: Orchid plants should be repotted every year. Garden centers that carry orchids will also carry ...
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| Rebloom | 11/25/2006 |
Q: I want to be sure I understand you correctly (please forgive my ignorance when it comes to plant ...
A: Yes to all of your followup questions. A little insecurity when facing a new challenge is perfectly ...
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| Rebloom | 11/25/2006 |
Q: I have a phaleonopsis orchid with five blooms all at the top of the plant (about 18 inches tall). ...
A: Phalaenopsis orchids rarely bloom all year. Occassionally one will but that is not desirable ...
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| orchid regrowth | 11/20/2006 |
Q: right now I'm using Schultz orchid food--19% nitrogen--31%phosphate. is that ...
A: The Schultz formulation is what is called a bloom booster and should be used prior to the next ...
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| abnormal orchid growth | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I have an orchid (I don't know which type) that is growing abnormally. After the original blooms ...
A: You do have a new plant forming at a flowering node. It will develop roots and, when the roots are ...
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| orchid regrowth | 11/20/2006 |
Q: After blooming, I cut the stem back to above a node. Now it is sprouting leaves but no flower buds. ...
A: The leaf at the base of the plant is the start of new growth toward a larger, more healthy plant. ...
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| vanda yellowing leaf | 11/17/2006 |
Q: I am working with several commercial growers in Central FL. Some of the Vandas I am looking at have ...
A: You may send me a photo if you wish. I grow only a few vandas. If you haven't seen Martin Mote's ...
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| My dog chewed my orchid | 11/15/2006 |
Q: My dog chewed the stems of my lovely flowering orchid the other day and I am not sure what I should ...
A: Your plant should be fine provided it suffers no more damage. If it is otherwise healthy, you ...
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| orchid w/broken leaf | 11/8/2006 |
Q: new at this , any advice on what to do about this ripped leaf?
A: Depends upon how the leaf is ripped. Sometimes the leaf will tear in the midline of the leaf. If ...
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| phalaenopsis no leaves | 10/30/2006 |
Q: First of all, thank you so much for replying me so fast. What does the "mushy root" look like? How ...
A: Mushy roots are roots in which the outer covering has collapsed. They are sponge-like in appearance ...
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| Phalaenopsis blooms | 10/29/2006 |
Q: I purchased one phalaenopsis plant in bloom and recognize this is not the easiest plant to grow at ...
A: Yes, you are right that the "branch" is a flower spike and should develop buds and then flowers. ...
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| phalaenopsis no leaves | 10/29/2006 |
Q: I have a white phalaenopsis indoor orchid that was given to me as a bday present. I don't know ...
A: I recommend that you remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Remove any "mushy" roots. ...
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| Dendrobium | 10/24/2006 |
Q: Decided to try my 1st Orchid which is a Dendrobium. I know absolutely nothing about Orchids but ...
A: Dendrobiums flower from nodes along the canes or from the top of the plant. Most likely, the new ...
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| Phalenopsis stem question | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I took a phalenopsis plant from my friend recently, and all of its leaves are still green and firm, ...
A: I assume that what you refer to as the "stem" is really the old flower spike which bore the flowers. ...
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| Cattleya's roots | 9/21/2006 |
Q: I am having trouble with my cattleyas. When I get them they are green and plump, and the roots are ...
A: Many orchids, including Cattleyas, go through a rest period after completing growth. If they are ...
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| Dendrobium Sunrise | 9/20/2006 |
Q: I am new to orchids and trying to learn fast so I don't kill my two new babies. #1: Dendrobium. ...
A: Dendrobium Sunrise is a "nobile" dendrobium. That means it likes cool temperatures and could be ...
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| Dendrobium Phalaenopsis leaves turning yellow | 9/15/2006 |
Q: I recently bought some from the local market and I have a south-facing window. However, I noticed ...
A: It is likely that your dendrobiums are telling you that they are going into a rest period. During ...
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| orchids | 9/11/2006 |
Q: All my orchids are soaking wet and some rotting -crown & root - bz it has been raining every days ...
A: You have all sorts of problems don't you. First I would recommend to suspend impermeable material, ...
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| White Spots on Petals | 9/6/2006 |
Q: White spots have suddenly appeared on the petals of my phalaenopsis. Why did this occur and how can ...
A: My guess is that what you have is an infestation of mealy bugs. These are "cottony" sucking insects ...
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| Orchid | 8/31/2006 |
Q: My orchid plant has nice green leave growing from the stem. However, at the base of these leaves, ...
A: Those are roots. Orchids have roots that penetrate the potting mix and aerial roots that can live ...
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| planting baby sprouting from stem | 8/26/2006 |
Q: How the heck do i cut this baby off and how should i transplant her? I'm guessing that i just cut ...
A: Cathy, I would make sure that you have some newly emerging roots from the new plant (called a ...
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| phals | 8/18/2006 |
Q: ok i have a terrarium it has what i belive ideal conditions for a orchid. i see many doing tanks ...
A: Sounds like an interesting project. The 4- 40 watt bulbs should be fine. You didn't mention ...
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| Phalenopsis trouble | 8/17/2006 |
Q: I have a Phalenopsis for about 6 mo and have recently repotted after bloom in a slightly larger pot ...
A: Glad you checked that out Jenn and took the steps you did. As a rule of thumb, an annual repotting ...
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| Yellowing leaves | 8/16/2006 |
Q: Help! I've had my dendrobium phal type for over 2 years - there are 5 stalks. Recently, I went out ...
A: Sorry about the overheating. Unlike with many other types of orchids, your loss of leaves should ...
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| Phalenopsis trouble | 8/12/2006 |
Q: I have a Phalenopsis for about 6 mo and have recently repotted after bloom in a slightly larger pot ...
A: I hope that you checked the roots of your phalaenopsis before repotting. The conditions of your ...
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| root rot | 8/12/2006 |
Q: "i love my orchids but i am new at this and i realized that my favorite one has new growth and stem ...
A: Good for you. Before repotting, you should remove all roots that are mushy. Those that have a ...
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| vanda | 8/11/2006 |
Q: I bought this mature flowering vanda about five months ago. It is hanging at my lanai under overhead ...
A: There is a possibility that your vanda has a fungus disease. Your growing conditions seem okay, but ...
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| Phalaenopsis orchid | 8/10/2006 |
Q: I have a phalaeopsis orchid which I have in a breathable orchid pot. It had 3 buds that were ...
A: If you repotted it while in spike, the disturbance might be responsible for the loss of buds. ...
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| Dying Phalaenopsis | 8/8/2006 |
Q: I have a Phalaenopsis that was blooming incredibly in April. It finally dropped flowers and I ...
A: Your phalaenopsis needs repotting. When you unpot it, you will find several mushy roots. This is ...
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| Info | 7/23/2006 |
Q: give me info on baby orchids
A: In general, very young orchids are subject to many diseases including "damping off"-- a fungus ...
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| ORCHIDS - MIXING THE VARIETIES | 7/16/2006 |
Q: I have two orchids and I was wondering if I could re-pot them in the same pot as I dont have much ...
A: You could pot them in the same pot, but if they have flower buds, this would not be the appropriate ...
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| Vanda Grow Lights | 7/8/2006 |
Q: I have a small collection that includes 3 vanda ascocendas. I am wondering if using grow lights will ...
A: Ascocendas don't require as much light as some assume. I find they do much better ouitside when the ...
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| orchids&gloxinia | 6/4/2006 |
Q: I want to ask you two questions.One is about orchids.I want to learn how to grow up orchids,what ...
A: I can't help you with gloxinias, but I might be able to help with orchids. First, you should be ...
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| Sick Phalaenopsis | 5/31/2006 |
Q: I have a phalaenopsis with two stems, over the span of about three days one of the stems has become ...
A: The "stems" you refer to are flower spikes which have finished flowering. On some types of ...
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| mealybugs | 5/29/2006 |
Q: I just found mealybugs on my orchid. Should I repot? Take them off as I find them? I still has ...
A: For now, remove them as you find them. I use a Q-tip soaked in alcohol if there are just a few-- or ...
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| Phal leaves falling off | 5/28/2006 |
Q: my phal leaf is falling off and i don't know why. I have inspected the roots for rot and i can't ...
A: Alex, I'm not sure what is causing the leaf drop. Usually, this indicates root rot. You say you ...
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| Orchid bitten by dog. Help! | 5/18/2006 |
Q: I'm 11 and my dog has just pulled out my mum's "Plush Eye 'Red Canyon' " Orchid from the pot only ...
A: I assume that this is a Miltonia orchid (It makes a huge difference what type of orchd it is). They ...
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| orchid roots | 5/15/2006 |
Q: I have an orchid. it has a long thin stem bent over to one side - there used to be flowers hanging ...
A: You probably have a moth orchid (otherwise called a phalaenopsis). The "stem" is called a flower ...
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| Repotting | 5/14/2006 |
Q: I want to know when is it's necessary and when is it's ok to repot a Phalenopsis orchid. I was told ...
A: My rule of thumb is that if the plant is doing well in all regards, then "don't fix it if it isn't ...
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| Drying a fresh orchid | 5/3/2006 |
Q: I have recieved a fresh orchid from my 50th wedding anniverary and would like to perserve it in a ...
A: Well, first and foremost, congratulations on that important milestone in your life and your ...
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| phalaenopsis hybrid orchid | 4/28/2006 |
Q: The spike where the flowers come from now has a flower on one side and a plant leaf on the other ...
A: This called a keiki. It will develop into a copy of its mother plant. If left, it will develop ...
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| Phalenopsis gone crazy | 4/26/2006 |
Q: greetings from the UK. I have a phanleopsis that is around 5 or 6 years old now. Quite a big beast. ...
A: It is a puzzle isn't it? A couple things stand out in what you said or did not say. First, if I ...
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| Phalaenopsis orchid | 4/25/2006 |
Q: I was given this phalaenopsis orchid last year in roughly july or august, it was flowering at the ...
A: This is not normal and sounds like root rot to me. Unpot the plant and see if you have mushy roots. ...
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| phalaenopsis | 4/24/2006 |
Q: I have had my phalaenopsis for almost 5 years, watering once weekly. I fertilized it once a year ago ...
A: Good morning Sondra; Congratulations on doing so well with your phalaenopsis over a period of 5 ...
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| orchid disease | 4/21/2006 |
Q: King, My phalaenopsis has tiny clear drops on its flower spike, and the youngest flower (on top of ...
A: It is normal for a flower spike to exude sap as a result of the fluid pressure build up in the ...
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| Phal crown rot | 4/18/2006 |
Q: I have a few more questions to clarify with you to make sure that I do everything right. Should I ...
A: I would leave the old flower spikes on the plant. On occassion I have lost all of the leaves on a ...
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| inherited orchid plant | 4/18/2006 |
Q: I just inherited an orchid plant I don't know what the name is it didn't have a tag when given to ...
A: That is indeed a large orchid plant. General advice for orchid plants is to repot when the new ...
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| Phal crown rot | 4/17/2006 |
Q: Wayne, I received a healthy phal as a gift this past Feb. It was purchased from a reputable grower ...
A: I believe the problem is more likely root rot than crown rot. I would immediately unpot the plant ...
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| moving my orchids | 4/17/2006 |
Q: I now live in Miami, Fl and am planning to relocate to central Texas. I need to know the best way ...
A: I don't know the particulars of the move, but if you are using a moving van for furniture, etc you ...
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| Yellowing Orchid Leaves | 4/11/2006 |
Q: King: I was given an orchid as a gift a year ago. It was immature with two healthy shoots. I am ...
A: I would repot the plant tightly in a clay pot in standard orchid mix when it gets new root growth or ...
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| Orchid | 4/9/2006 |
Q: We have an indoor orchid and it is loosing its blooms. We keep it in a dry even temprit climate ...
A: Most orchids bloom once per year. They do have a season, but there are many types of orchids, each ...
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| Sick orchids! | 3/30/2006 |
Q: I bought an orchid for the first time and it was in full bloom of white flowers,that same week I ...
A: The white phalaenopsis may have a soot mold which is harmless-- if unsightly. It suggests you may ...
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| Identification of an orchid | 3/25/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if you could give me ID on this plant: ...
A: I can't be certain of the species. It might help to have a picture of the vegetative part of the ...
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| orchid stem changing colors | 3/19/2006 |
Q: I received a phalaenopsis orchid as a gift back in November. I cut the stem after it bloomed hoping ...
A: Depending upon its ancestry, phalaenopsis may have flower spikes that remain green and can rebloom ...
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| Identity of dendrobium | 2/23/2006 |
Q: I recently recieved a dendrobium from some friends who visited Hawaii. The plant did not come with ...
A: It is not possible to identify a dendrobium hybrid strictly by its picture because there are so many ...
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| Orchid Phalaenopsis | 2/10/2006 |
Q: Many thanks for the prompt reply, As this new plant has only 1 short root, 2" approx, should I wait ...
A: The mother plant will likely wait until its next flowering cycle (ie when it normally flowers) to ...
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| dry buds | 2/5/2006 |
Q: I live in Miami Beach and have always had orchids hanging from baskets under my large mango tree and ...
A: In the northern latitudes, lack of humidty and/or cold can cause drying of the buds. If you have ...
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| disease | 12/18/2005 |
Q: I have 2 plants they are very large and have huge stocks that flower, however they are only ...
A: It sounds like you may have dendrobium orchids. If that is the case, then this is natural as they ...
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| orchid | 12/17/2005 |
Q: my orchids stem seems to be drying out but the leaves are fine. i have started to water it every day ...
A: The drying out is fine and a normal part of the plant cycle. Now is the time to repot the plant. ...
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| vandas | 11/28/2005 |
Q: I have a vanda hanging outside, and it has produced beautiful flowers from its spike. They are ...
A: First, let me congratulate you on a job well done. You are not causing the leaves to bend. The ...
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| Orchid | 11/9/2005 |
Q: I don't know whether to cut the stem that held the orchid blossoms, after they have fallen off. How ...
A: I assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid that has just finished flowering. You may cut the ...
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| PHALAENOPSIS | 11/5/2005 |
Q: MY WIFE HAS A PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID THAT IS DEVELOPING A NEW MAIN SPIKE (THE LEAVES LOOK GOOD). ...
A: From your description, I believe they are aerial roots. If you don't mind the appearance, they can ...
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| Dend Orchid | 11/2/2005 |
Q: I have a den. Nobile, I bought it 5 months ago, it was fine. A month ago I repotted, in regular ...
A: A nobile dendrobium is a deciduous dendrobium. It loses its leaves at the end of the growing season ...
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| Transplanting orchid stems | 10/30/2005 |
Q: I live in San Diego. I have a friend who has a large flowering orchid plant in a pot outside on ...
A: The general rule of thumb in dividing an orchid plant is to remove a minimum of three growths with ...
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| My phalaenopsis seems to be dying... | 10/18/2005 |
Q: I recently bought a phalenopsis (I found two pictures which looked like it where it was described ...
A: Phalaenopsis Modest Girl is a registered phalaenopsis hybrid, registered in 1994 by the firm ...
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| Phals won't flower, tried many things | 9/30/2005 |
Q: I have a problem with getting my phalaenopsis orchids to bloom. I have 11 of them that I have had ...
A: Several thoughts come to mind. First, use bloom booster starting in December for spring blooming ...
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| Type of Dendrobium | 9/27/2005 |
Q: I have a beautiful dendrobium species, well at least I think its a species. It kind of looks like a ...
A: From your description, the dendrobium is, what is referred to, as an "antelope" type. It is rare to ...
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| Phals -where to place in the winter | 9/22/2005 |
Q: We live in southwestern CT. The winters are harsh. I've has phals before that failed miserably in ...
A: The best location, if you have it, is an east facing window where the plants can get some morning ...
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| Orchid not flowering | 9/14/2005 |
Q: About a year ago, I bought an orchid for my mother as a birthday present. It was in full bloom and ...
A: My assumption is that your mother's plant is either a phalaenopsis or a dendrobium. A phalaenopsis ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 9/12/2005 |
Q: My Phal bloomed beautifully, and I cut the stalks back. They are dying back and now I guess it will ...
A: Perhaps the most important part of promoting plant health is a healthy root system. Now that the ...
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| How to get an orchid to flower? | 9/4/2005 |
Q: Often do orchids set on blooms? And is there any thing in particular that I need to do to ensure ...
A: Most orchids bloom once per year. Most also tend to bloom in the spring, but there are many ...
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| repotting dendrobiums | 8/30/2005 |
Q: When is the right time to repot dendrobiums? When in its growth cycle and how crowded should I wait ...
A: Dendrobiums like to be pot bound (ie as tight in the pot as possible). If you wish to pot you ...
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| What do I have | 8/25/2005 |
Q: I understand that I have an Orchid. My sister gave me a cutting not knowing what it was and now it ...
A: First, we need to establish that it is an orchid. You might take it to a garden center and see if ...
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| New growth | 8/17/2005 |
Q: Two years ago my sisters and I gave my dad a cane orchid as a gift. It was purchased from the ...
A: The orchid you purchased for your dad is called a dendrobium orchid. The type you have is deciduous ...
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| Phalaenopsis Orchids - Buds are dying! | 8/10/2005 |
Q: I recently bought a phalaenopsis orchid and it is beautiful! However, a few small buds have turned ...
A: The buds that die will shrivel and fall off from the old flower spike naturally so they neeed not be ...
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| 1st Orchid - Phalaenopsis - Leaf Spots | 7/30/2005 |
Q: I purchased my 1st orchid about a month ago. I think it is a Phalaenopsis (no tag). It has been ...
A: My guess is there is one or two likely causes of the black spotting. In the summer, the sun is at ...
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| Orchids in Texas | 7/23/2005 |
Q: I currently live in southern California but would like to grow some orchids at a gravesite in ...
A: The Texas coast should provide the needed humidity for Mexican species such as Brassavola nodosa, ...
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| root rot | 6/4/2005 |
Q: I recently realized my phaleanopsis (I cant remember how to spell this) has what appears to be ...
A: Yes, remove all of the roots that are "empty and gray inside". This is root rot and it is good that ...
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| Phalaenopsis bloom | 3/21/2005 |
Q: I have owned phalaenopsis for a couple years now. The plant is ready to bloom and has aboput 3 buds. ...
A: This may be a normal consequence of first flowering. Plants will try to mature more buds than they ...
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| orchids | 3/2/2005 |
Q: Some of my phalenopses develop deep slases on the large leaves, something like a scratch made from ...
A: Betty, I don't think your problem is insect or disease related so I wouldn't worry about that. With ...
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| What does charcoal have to do with orchids? | 1/10/2005 |
Q: I'm a student. My gardening teacher told us about the medium used for potting and she gave us aWhy ...
A: Charcoal is often used as an ingredient in an orchid potting mix because it is inert (will not ...
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| blooms | 12/18/2004 |
Q: I rec'd an orchid as a gift that was blooming beautifully. I cared for it as directed, but the ...
A: Since you didn't specify the type of orchid you have, I'll assume you have the most common type: ...
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| dendrobium questions | 12/16/2004 |
Q: I purchased a blooming denbrobium about 3 years ago. Since then I have had no new blooms and I have ...
A: Sounds like you may have a warm growing or "Phalaenopsis" type of dendrobium. When flowering, their ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 11/16/2004 |
Q: I understand most of your suggestions. The only question I have is when I examine the roots, and ...
A: Good questions Laura. If the roots are firm and no rot, this suggests that there is no problem with ...
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| Phalaenopsis | 11/16/2004 |
Q: I have two Phals, and am a newbie. My first phal I have had for about 9 mons. It stays inside all ...
A: As far as I can tell, you are not doing anything wrong. What happens with Phalaenopsis bloom stalks ...
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| orchids | 10/25/2004 |
Q: 1. Do I have to wait until the orchid blooms in order to find out the type or name of the orchid? ...
A: You do not have to wait for a bloom to identify the type of orchid that it is if it is one of the ...
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| Orchids | 10/22/2004 |
Q: King, I replanted the orchid in a larger pot and followed your suggestions. I have a follow up ...
A: Many dendrobium orchids are deciduous-- that is they loose their leaves. They may rebloom on the ...
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| Orchids | 10/21/2004 |
Q: I have over 25 orchids that I inhered when my neighbord moved to Virginia. So far I have kept them ...
A: The "sticks" you refer to are called "canes". The orchid is probably a dendrobium orchid. I ...
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| flowering stems | 10/16/2004 |
Q: Should I cut off the stem once the actual flower has died? Thanks, Patty
A: I assume that by the stem you mean the flower spike from which the flower emerges. Depending on the ...
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| Identifying my orchid | 10/14/2004 |
Q: .. as a quick followup, just to be sure, I foud this picture of an orchid at ...
A: The picture at 1888Orchids is a floral arrangement. The flower pictured is a cymbidium flower that ...
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| Orchid Flower Wiltering Fast | 9/28/2004 |
Q: I just bought a Phal Violacea 3 days ago and the flower is wiltering fast. The petals are closing ...
A: I would check to be sure the roots are in good condition. This may mean removing some of the moss ...
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| Orchid Name | 9/5/2004 |
Q: I purchased a orchid back in July from a place up in Indiana where we were visiting. This orchid has ...
A: There are two principal types of orchids: Paphiopedilum (Paphs) and Phragmipediums (Phrags). The ...
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| orchids | 9/2/2004 |
Q: I am doing a science project for school and am interested in crossbreeding orchids. I have from now ...
A: First thing to note is that orchids can only be cross bred within genetically compatible groups or ...
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| orchids | 8/25/2004 |
Q: I have a dendrobium in a pot that I have kept outside this summer. This week I noticed that it is ...
A: They could have arived in the orchid mix. I would start with any insecticidal spray and repeat at ...
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| Oncidium | 8/22/2004 |
Q: I just purchased an Oncidium Gower Ramsey at a local Lowe's store. It's in a 4" square plastic pot. ...
A: It helps in providing the needed advice. Since you have a flower spike emerging, and the plant ...
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| vanilla | 2/23/2004 |
Q: what are the different methods of vanilla flower pollination
A: The following technique was in use years ago when the vanilla orchid was the only source of vanilla ...
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| new phaleanopsis orchid | 2/21/2004 |
Q: I just received a beautiful pink phaleanopsis orchid as a gift and have no clue how to take care of ...
A: A good site for all kinds of information is the Orchid Mall (Use your search engine). You probably ...
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| Cattleya Blooms | 1/19/2004 |
Q: I've noticed that some of my Cattleyas that normally produce blooms in sheaths occasionally produce ...
A: The potential to do this is genetic. The exact environmental factors that prompt it are not clearly ...
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| Blooming | 1/15/2004 |
Q: I recently purchased a phalaenopsis orchid. I was told that the current flowers would last a few ...
A: It is not unusual for a phalaenopsis orchid to rebloom from a branching of the old flower spike. ...
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| phalaenopsis orchid | 1/8/2004 |
Q: I live in the lower north eastern part of California , so far have'nt had any problems but the root ...
A: As I recall you have phalaenopsis orchids. The "stem" you refer to is likely the flower spike (ie ...
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