Question
My boyfriend left me to care for his plants when he went to work out of town for a couple months. What does he think I am - a domestic goddess???? NOT! You'd think my black thumb would have deterred him from even asking. Anyway, a month later, his prized orchids (moth I think) are dying despite following his instructions to water them every week. I really want to keep the plants alive until he gets home or I might find myself single. Thanks, Jen

Answer
Jennifer - I think my advice was quite helpful and not advice you are likely to get elsewhere. Clearly, your question was more about your relationship than about your plants. In fact, you had no specific question about the Orchids nor did you provide any specific information about their symptoms for me to work with. I also offered to send you an article of mine that provides complete care information on moth Orchids, far more information than I can post here or that you can find anywhere else.

I am sorry you took offense and did not understand how helpful my reply was.

Will Creed



Hi Jennifer,

I am not sure this is a serious question, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt.

Whenever you care for someone else's plants, it is important to follow THEIR instructions. As long as you do, then the responsibility is theirs, not yours. As soon as you deviate from the instructions, then you open yourself up to criticism for failing to follow instructions.

If you have followed the instructions and the Orchids are not doing well, then contact your boyfriend and let him know so that he can advise you. After all, they are his prized Orchids and presumably he knows how to care for them.

If anyone wants a copy of my article on Orchid care, send an email request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC